url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-booker-colleagues-reintroduce-abortion-health-care-everywhere-act,"Schakowsky, Booker, Colleagues Reintroduce Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act to Repeal Harmful Helms Amendment",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Janice D. Schakowsky,S001145,schakowsky.house.gov,schakowsky,https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Full Text of Bill (PDF)

WASHINGTON - Today, on International Safe Abortion Day, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) reintroduced the Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act, legislation that would repeal the harmful Helms Amendment and ensure U.S. foreign assistance can support comprehensive reproductive health care, including abortion care.

Representatives Diana DeGette (CO-01), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Norma Torres (CA-35), and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) joining Schakowsky as House co-leads of the legislation. More than 80+ House Members have joined the effort.

“Abortion is health care, no matter where you live. For over 50 years, the racist, harmful Helms Amendment has blocked U.S. foreign assistance from supporting abortion care, even where abortion is legal. That is wrong,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “Today, on International Safe Abortion Day and every day, we must stand with people around the world who deserve the freedom to make their own decisions about their bodies and their futures. The Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act will repeal Helms and help make reproductive health care accessible to everyone, everywhere.”

“For more than 50 years, the Helms Amendment has restricted the use of U.S. foreign assistance for abortion care, with real consequences for women around the world,” said Senator Cory Booker. “Women are turned away from safe care and denied information and counseling about their options. Providers are forced to treat abortion differently from other essential health services. That is not a policy grounded in science, compassion, or dignity. The Abortion Is Health Care Everywhere Act would end these restrictions and make clear that U.S. global health assistance can support comprehensive reproductive health care, including safe abortion care.”

""The right to decide what is best for your body, health and family should not be dictated by borders,"" said Congresswoman Diana DeGette, Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus. ""The Helms Amendment is a draconian policy that has blocked access to essential health care for far too long. It's time that Congress acts and ensures that no matter what community she calls home, every woman can access the full range of health care she needs — including abortion care.""

""For decades, the reproductive health of millions of people—especially those in developing nations—has suffered as a result of the Helms Amendment barring U.S. foreign assistance from going to NGOs and clinics that provide abortion care,"" said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Co-Chair of the House Reproductive Freedom Caucus. ""U.S. foreign aid to support health care in other countries falls desperately short by excluding reproductive health, and reinforces the criminalization and stigmatization of abortion care and reproductive health at home and abroad. This Administration’s cruel approach to gutting foreign aid has cost people around the globe their lives. The United States must reverse course, reinvest in foreign aid, and treat reproductive care as essential care.”

“Health care should not depend on your ZIP code, your income, or the country you call home,” said Congresswoman Norma Torres. “For more than 50 years, the Helms Amendment has denied people around the world access to comprehensive reproductive health care. The Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act is important because every woman deserves the freedom to make decisions about her own body, health, and future.”

“As MAGA extremists unleash their assault on women’s rights, it is imperative to ensure reproductive health care for all,” said Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland. “The Helms Amendment makes it impossible for millions of women across the globe to seek reproductive care – including routine preventative screenings – barring economic mobility and worsening the maternal health crisis. I am introducing the Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act with Representative Schakowsky and over 80 of my colleagues today to repeal Helms, ensure equality, and continue the fight for women’s rights worldwide.”

The Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act would repeal the Helms Amendment and replace it with language authorizing U.S. foreign assistance for comprehensive reproductive health care services, including abortion services, training, and equipment.

The legislation is endorsed by leading reproductive health, global health, and human rights organizations.

“With the Trump Administration undermining foreign aid for sexual and reproductive health care, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Repealing the Helms Amendment, which has long prohibited U.S. support for abortion services around the world, is a critical step toward ensuring people everywhere can access safe abortion care,” said Kelly Baden, Vice President of US Policy & Communications, Guttmacher Institute. “We thank Sen. Booker, Rep. Schakowsky and their co-leads for introducing the Abortion Is Health Care Everywhere Act. Guttmacher’s research makes the impact clear: ending Helms and supporting health care systems around the globe would avert 19 million unsafe abortions and 17,000 maternal deaths annually.”

“For more than 50 years, the Helms Amendment has denied people around the world reproductive freedom. It undermines global health and human rights. It’s an archaic remnant of U.S. abortion politics that has always been completely divorced from the reality of the lives of the people it harms,” said Brian Dixon, Sr. Vice President, Population Connection Action Fund. “It’s long past time to repeal this disgraceful law and we are grateful to Senator Booker and Congresswoman Schakowsky for introducing this important legislation. We look forward to its passage.”

“Everyone deserves to be able to get the healthcare they need when they need it,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, President and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “For over 50 years, the Helms Amendment has put safe abortion care out of reach for people around the world served by U.S. foreign assistance, including global health, gender-based violence, and humanitarian programs. As we continue to fight back against abortion bans and restrictions in the U.S., we must also work to expand access and eliminate barriers abroad. We’re thankful to Rep. Schakowsky, Sen. Booker, and their co-leads for their leadership in expanding access to essential healthcare.”

“Comprehensive abortion care is health care. That is not a political assertion, it is a public health reality,” said Nabeeha Kazi Hutchins, President and CEO, PAI. “When safe abortion care is not available, abortions do not stop. They become more dangerous, contributing to preventable maternal death and morbidity. For more than 50 years, the Helms Amendment has restricted U.S. foreign assistance for this care, putting women’s health and lives at risk. U.S. global health policy should be grounded in evidence and focused on preventing needless maternal deaths and illness. It’s time for Congress to pass the Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act and repeal Helms.”

The Helms Amendment was first enacted in 1973 and restricts U.S. foreign assistance from being used for abortion as a method of family planning.

###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-join-senate-democrats-in-demanding-omb-director-vought-abandon-any-plan-to-exert-political-control-over-nih-funding,"Durbin, Duckworth Join Senate Democrats In Demanding OMB Director Vought Abandon Any Plan To Exert Political Control Over NIH Funding",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"The lawmakers emphasize the need for Republicans to join Democrats in supporting new guardrails to protect the integrity of NIH’s grantmaking process following a long line of politically motivated attacks on NIH

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and of 27 their colleagues in demanding White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought halt any plan to exert political control over the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) grantmaking process. The Trump Administration considering an executive order to establish and empower an external committee of political appointees with no discernable qualifications to veto any awards selected by NIH and its panels of scientific experts is just the latest example and highlights the need for Congress to intervene.

In their letter, the lawmakers underscore that the executive order is the latest way OMB has sought to undermine NIH and the scientific peer-review process that is the foundation of biomedical advancements and innovation. Backtracking on a new executive order or not, the Trump Administration has shown time and again it wants to cancel NIH funding that misaligns with its political agendas and vendettas, all at the expense of life-saving research, treatments, and cures for millions of Americans.

“Decisions about which National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants to fund should be guided only by science, and what research is most likely to advance new treatments and cures, or the next breakthrough to save or improve a patient’s life. The Trump Administration considering, at the highest level, an executive order to exert unprecedented political control over NIH’s grant-making by establishing a commission empowered to veto NIH research awards represents just its latest attack on biomedical research,” the lawmakers write. “Injecting political interference into the NIH grantmaking process will irreparably harm America’s biomedical research enterprise, override scientific expertise, and potentially set back lifesaving medical breakthroughs by decades.”

The lawmakers note that reports that the Trump Administration has paused plans for an executive order to scrutinize NIH grants are little relief given the President’s long string of attacks on the agency: “That such an executive order was considered at all makes clear that despite Congress acting to temporarily block OMB’s proposed rule, this Administration intends to continue to pursue efforts to undermine NIH and its grantmaking process. If not by executive order or a new government-wide rule, the Trump Administration will simply pursue alternative administrative means that put politics over science and undermine the biomedical research enterprise we have built in this country over more than a century that is the envy of the world.”

The Senators explained that given the Administration’s attacks, it’s critical Congress take additional steps to put guardrails in place—something Senate Democrats have been pushing to do over the last 18 months: “Congress must step in to establish guardrails to protect American biomedical science. We urge our Republican colleagues to work with us on legislation to do much more to protect NIH from the Trump Administration, which has proven over and over again to be dead set on picking political fights at the expense of advancing lifesaving treatments and cures for millions of Americans.”

The lawmakers conclude: “We write to call on you to abandon any plan to exert political control over NIH’s grant-making decisions — whether that’s through your proposed rule, a new executive order, or any other means—that would empower political appointees to deny funding for grant applications that have already been deemed meritorious by the NIH peer-review and Advisory Council process. Patients and families are already paying an enormous price because of this administration’s nonstop attacks on the NIH—the last thing they need is for their hopes for new treatments and cures to be pushed farther out of view because you want to put politics ahead of saving lives.”

In addition to Durbin, Duckworth, Murray, and Baldwin, the letter was also signed by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Angus King Jr. (I-ME), Jeffrey Merkley (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mark Warner (D-VA), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Gary Peters (D-MI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Adam Schiff (D-CA).

The full letter is available HEREand below:

September 25, 2026

Director Vought:

Decisions about which National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants to fund should be guided only by science, and what research is most likely to advance new treatments and cures, or the next breakthrough to save or improve a patient’s life. The Trump administration considering, at the highest level, an Executive Order to exert unprecedented political control over NIH’s grant-making by establishing a commission empowered to veto NIH research awards represents just its latest attack on biomedical research. If established, such an entity would radically alter a nearly 140-year-old evaluation system built upon a rigorous peer-review process where subject matter experts assess applications based on scientific merit. Injecting political interference into the NIH grantmaking process will irreparably harm America’s biomedical research enterprise, override scientific expertise, and potentially set back lifesaving medical breakthroughs by decades.

Reports that the Trump administration is backtracking on such an Executive Order is of little relief. This scheme comes on the heels of the Office of Management Budget’s (OMB) proposal to rewrite rules governing the administration of federal grants government-wide, which centers on the same aims—to put politics over scientific rigor. These efforts violate longstanding practice and interpretation of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) statutory duties and are clearly counter to what Congress intended when funding NIH. That such an Executive Order was considered at all makes clear that despite Congress acting to temporarily block OMB’s proposed rule, this administration intends to continue to pursue efforts to undermine NIH and its grantmaking process. If not by Executive Order or a new government-wide rule, the Trump administration will simply pursue alternative administrative means that put politics over science and undermine the biomedical research enterprise we have built in this country over more than a century that is the envy of the world. The Trump administration will continue to have political appointees review Notices of Funding Opportunities and grant applications. It will continue to terminate scientifically meritorious grants for political reasons. And it will sideline expert peer review and empower political appointees to decide what research to fund or to not fund. Congress must step in to establish guardrails to protect American biomedical science. We urge our Republican colleagues to work with us on legislation to do much more to protect NIH from the Trump administration, which has proven over and over again to be dead set on picking political fights at the expense of advancing lifesaving treatments and cures for millions of Americans.

As the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, NIH supports research across virtually every area of human health. NIH research has led to countless groundbreaking discoveries, including mapping the human genome, isolating the AIDS virus, and the development of new drugs and treatments for cystic fibrosis, childhood leukemia, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and rare diseases, among so many others. The NIH peer-review system is the backbone of each one of those discoveries. It is a process established to ensure that taxpayer-funded research is evaluated according to scientific standards and to insulate funding decisions from political considerations. NIH funding has, for example, supported basic scientific research on lizard venom and sea snails that you or another political appointee without any scientific expertise may well have vetoed as a waste of taxpayer resources, but that very research led to the development of GLP-1 medications and non-addictive opioid alternatives. NIH’s scientific and peer review process that you are actively working to tear down is the foundation on which the United States stands as the world leader in biomedical innovation. OMB and unqualified political appointees have no business being involved in individual grant funding decisions and determining which specific cancer or Alzheimer’s disease research grants get funded.

Putting political decree above scientific peer review will mean research proposals are rejected not because of deficiencies in scientific quality, methodology, or relevance to statutory NIH missions, but because the subject matter, populations studied, institutions involved, or anticipated policy implications of the research do not align with the President’s political agenda. Breast cancer patients should not be denied hope of a new lifesaving treatment because you and the President think women’s health research is “woke”. Each year, NIH awards more than 50,000 grants and reviews tens of thousands more, each containing dozens of pages of dense scientific material. Whether through Executive Order, a new OMB rule, or other means, this administration seeks the ability to cut funding for specific research institutions it doesn’t like, or to cut funding for specific research projects because it doesn’t like how they sound. This would mean overruling decisions made by panels of scientific experts that have already determined which research is meritorious of federal funding and is our nation’s best bet at advancing new treatments and cures. Congress appropriated more than $48 billion to NIH in fiscal year 2026 for biomedical research pursuant to statute and congressionally directed programs, to be awarded according to a multi-step peer review process mandated by law. Congress does not delegate, or in any way intend to delegate, authority to the White House or your office to determine which individual scientific proposals may receive federal support. It similarly does not intend for unqualified political appointees to override the scientific peer review process in determining which specific grants to fund. But that is exactly what this administration continues to pursue.

These efforts are just the latest in a series of actions elevating politics and undermining science in biomedical research. Under your leadership, OMB has focused its efforts on destroying NIH and, with it, the nation’s biomedical research enterprise. To date, the Trump administration has terminated or disrupted 5,780 NIH grants worth an estimated $15 billion. Today, 1,231 of those grants still have not been restored. In fiscal year 2025, the agency issued 6,478 fewer awards compared to the year before – fewer than any year since 2018. The overall success rate for grant applicants fell to 17 percent, marking a 30-year low. The Trump administration has delayed NIH notices of funding opportunities and grant awards by months, setting back research and clinical trials on Alzheimer’s disease, cancer research, opioid addiction, rare diseases, and others by a year or more. These disruptions are causing young scientists and researchers to abandon their careers altogether or leave to pursue them in other countries. Meanwhile, uncertainties about federal funding have led to a 15 percent decline in doctoral admissions at major research universities in the United States. Earlier this month, it was revealed that the Trump administration plans to transfer up to $1.9 billion per year from NIH to the Department of Defense. Taken together, the Trump administration’s actions have systematically weakened the biomedical workforce and upended the very system designed to select the most scientifically promising research that delivers hope for millions of American patients and families who are praying for new treatments and cures.

We write to call on you to abandon any plan to exert political control over NIH’s grant-making decisions — whether that’s through your proposed rule, a new Executive Order, or any other means—that would empower political appointees to deny funding for grant applications that have already been deemed meritorious by the NIH peer-review and Advisory Council process. Patients and families are already paying an enormous price because of this administration’s nonstop attacks on the NIH—the last thing they need is for their hopes for new treatments and cures to be pushed farther out of view because you want to put politics ahead of saving lives.

Sincerely,

-30-",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-president-trumps-pocket-rescission-is-an-illegal-power-grab,Durbin: President Trump’s Pocket Rescission Is “An Illegal Power Grab”,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"In his speech on the Senate floor, Durbin condemned President Trump’s illegal pocket rescission, which will rescind $810 million in congressionally-appropriated funding to education programs, health research, immigration services, and foreign aid

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today delivered a speech on the Senate floor criticizing the Trump Administration’s illegal move to rescind $810 million for federal programs, cutting off bipartisan funding Congress has allocated for education programs, health research, assistance for minority-owned businesses, immigration services, and support to foreign countries. This pocket rescission by the President is a clear violation of the Constitution, which explicitly gives Congress the power to determine how federal funds are spent.

While the President can make a rescission request, Congress must approve that rescission with a simple majority vote in each chamber. The law requires that, if Congress does not pass a bill rescinding the funding within 45 days, the President must release the withheld funds. With only a few days left in the fiscal year, President Trump is unlawfully using a pocket rescission, denying Congress the time or ability to reject the rescission request in a move that the Government Accountability Office has stated is illegal.

Durbin began his remarks by calling out President Trump for this illegal power grab.

“On Friday night, the Trump Administration announced that the President had unilaterally rescinded nearly $1 billion in funds that Congress had approved for spending on a bipartisan basis. This funding was meant for education programs, health research, assistance for businesses, immigration services, and support to other countries,” Durbin began.

“This move is an illegal power grab by the Trump Administration—plain and simple,” Durbin said.

President Trump has repeatedly used pocket rescissions to rip federal funding from critical programs, including support for foreign aid and public broadcasting. Despite uproar from Americans, Republicans have publicly supported the President’s illegal claw back of funding.

“Last year, President Trump canceled $4.9 billion in foreign aid with the so-called ‘pocket rescission’ maneuver. Earlier in 2025, my Republican colleagues supported President Trump’s rescission request that clawed back $9 billion in foreign aid and public broadcasting funding,” Durbin said.

Democrats pushed for protections from pocket rescissions to be included in the Continuing Resolution that passed Congress earlier this year, but Republicans refused to include it—choosing to appease President Trump out of fear of retribution.

“Democrats fought for pocket rescission protection in the Continuing Resolution that we passed earlier this year to prevent the White House from doing exactly what they’ve done. Not surprisingly, Republicans in the Senate and the House refused to stand for the law for fear that they would anger their President. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle might express some concern now about the items that have been cut by the Administration, but where were they this summer when they had a chance to fix it?” Durbin said.

Durbin concluded his speech, reprimanding President Trump for prioritizing his vanity projects over supporting federal programs that support the American people.

“For Donald Trump, billion-dollar ballrooms are full speed ahead. Money for schools—cut. Vanity projects like the Trump Golden Arch are a priority, but medial research is cut. Taxpayer funded political ads of the wartime President are a must. Medical care for children—cut,” Durbin said.

“Over the past 20 months, Republicans have continuously bent the knee, kissed the ring, and handed Donald Trump more power and authority on a silver platter. Now the question is whether they will finally find their collective backbone and do something about this illegal executive maneuver,” Durbin concluded his remarks.

Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.

-30-",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-previews-tomorrows-judiciary-committee-hearing-with-former-special-counsel-jack-smith,Durbin Previews Tomorrow’s Judiciary Committee Hearing With Former Special Counsel Jack Smith,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, previewed tomorrow’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing with former Special Counsel Jack Smith. In November 2022, then-Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Mr. Smith, a nonpartisan career prosecutor, as Special Counsel with authority to investigate President Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election, as well as Trump’s effort to illegally retain highly classified government documents. As a result of these investigations, Special Counsel Smith indicted Trump on four counts in the election interference case, and 40 counts in the classified documents case.

Mr. Smith has offered to testify publicly under oath before the Senate Judiciary Committee for almost a year. Instead of allowing Mr. Smith to testify, Senate Judiciary Republicans held wasteful hearings to relitigate the 2020 presidential election, despite numerous other issues worth examining within the Committee’s jurisdiction.

“Tomorrow, finally, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hear from former Special Counsel Jack Smith,” said Durbin. “In 2020, President Trump spent months spreading the ‘Big Lie’ that the 2020 election was stolen… He pressured state election officials, his own Vice President, the Justice Department, and Members of Congress to overturn the results of the election. This culminated in the January 6 attack on the Capitol, where President Trump’s supporters tried to violently prevent the constitutional certification of the 2020 election.”

Durbin continued, “But instead of condemning this egregious criminal conduct… my Republican colleagues are spreading baseless conspiracy theories and attacking career prosecutors and FBI agents, claiming the so-called ‘deep state’ is out to get Donald Trump.”

When Trump was re-elected president in November 2024, Special Counsel Smith moved to dismiss the cases against him based on the Department of Justice’s position that the Constitution forbids the federal indictment and prosecution of a sitting president. Following the dismissal, Special Counsel Smith provided Garland a two-volume report outlining his findings in both investigations. While Garland released Volume I, concerning the election interference case, Judge Aileen Cannon enjoined DOJ from releasing Volume II, concerning the classified documents case.

In October 2025, and again in February 2026, Durbin led all Senate Judiciary Democrats in sending a letter to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) calling on him to allow former Special Counsel Jack Smith to testify before the Committee. In their letters, the Senators also urged Chairman Grassley to request DOJ release Volume II of Special Counsel Smith’s report.

“Now, after years of criticism and multiple hearings about the investigations, Senate Judiciary Republicans are finally holding a hearing with Jack Smith… Jack Smith asked Republicans… for the opportunity to testify under oath to the Judiciary Committee nearly a year ago—back in October 2025. They ignored it. At the time, Judiciary Committee Democrats sent a letter urging the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee to stop complaining and bring Mr. Smith before the Committee… We made this request again in February 2026… The Chairman had declined to bring Smith before the Committee, claiming that the Committee needed more time to gather information,” Durbin said. “Still, Republicans on the Committee have made no effort to obtain a copy of Volume II of Jack Smith’s report, which details the findings from the criminal investigation into President Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified materials.”

Durbin continued, “If this hearing was really about getting answers, Committee Republicans would be doing everything they could to obtain a copy of Volume II and urge the Department of Justice to allow Smith to discuss his investigation.”

Durbin concluded, “Despite these impediments, I’m glad my Republican colleagues will finally address these concerns directly. It’s about time, and in fact it is well past time, for this Committee, the Judiciary Committee, to move on from and stop spreading political rumors and get down to the truth.”

Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.

-30-",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-trumps-illegal-pocket-rescission-of-nearly-1-billion,Durbin Statement On Trump’s Illegal “Pocket Rescission” Of Nearly $1 Billion,2026-09-26,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement after President Trump announced that he has unilaterally rescinded nearly $1 billion in funds that Congress has already approved for education programs, health research, assistance for minority owned businesses, immigration services, and support to foreign countries:

“The illegal power grab by Donald Trump continues. The real question is whether my Republican colleagues will finally find their collective backbone and do something about it.

“Democrats fought for pocket rescission protection in the CR so this could never happen again, but Republicans refused—fearing retribution from the White House. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle might express anger now, but where were they this summer during these negotiations?

“Billion-dollar ballrooms are full speed ahead, but money for schools is cut. Vanity projects like the Golden Arch are a priority, but medical research for cancer cures is cut. Taxpayer funded political ads of the wartime President are a must, but medical care for children is cut.”

President Trump’s rescissions requests are made under a fast-tracked process, established in the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, in which a president can request that Congress rescind federal funding with a simple majority vote in each chamber. The law requires that, if Congress does not pass a bill rescinding the funding within 45 days, the president must release it.

However, President Trump is attempting an unlawful maneuver called “pocket rescissions,” in which he seeks to rescind funding less than 45 days before the end of the fiscal year, believing this provides him with the power to cancel the funding with or without the approval of Congress. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has stated that pocket rescissions are illegal.

Last year, President Trump canceled $4.9 billion in foreign aid via a “pocket recission.” And earlier in 2025, Republicans supported President Trump’s recission request that clawed back $9 billion in foreign aid and public broadcast funding that had been previously appropriated on a bipartisan basis.

-30-",1,2026-09-28T11:29:07Z,2026-09-28T11:30:58Z
https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ramirez-garcia-host-election-protection-roundtable-local-advocates-election,"Ramirez, Garcia Host Election Protection Roundtable with Local Advocates, Election Officials",2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Delia C. Ramirez,R000617,ramirez.house.gov,ramirez,https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Chicago, IL — Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) and Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) hosted an election security and polling location safety roundtable with public officials, government agencies, community stakeholders, and other partners to discuss preparedness and coordination efforts to keep polling locations safe, secure, accessible, and free from intimidation or disruption.

The roundtable comes after months of constant threats of the presence of armed federal officials at polling locations made by the Trump administration and the recently released plan for Election Infrastructure Security by the Department of Homeland Security. Just today, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration’s SAVE program, a flawed voters database that removes eligible voters from the rolls.

“In the face of an authoritarian attack on our democracy, it is up to an intergovernmental coalition to protect our elections and ensure every person’s vote is counted and represented. It is up to us to roll up our sleeves and step into the work of cooperation, organizing, and solidarity to protect our democracy,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “Our message is clear: We will not be bullied, we will not be intimidated, and we will not let our constituents be dissuaded from exercising their constitutional rights.”

""We all know the lengths Trump will go to discredit our elections,"" said Congressman García. “But after hearing from the participants of this roundtable today, I'm confident we'll be ready for November. Every eligible citizen deserves to know when, where, and how to cast their ballot, and they should get that information from people they trust, not from Trump's lies and misinformation. While Trump and his anti-voting allies in Congress keep working to undermine confidence in our elections, Congresswoman Ramirez and I will keep working just as hard to defend them.""

The members of Congress and organizations reminded constituents that:

In IL, you don’t need an ID if you are registered to vote.

In IL, you can vote early at any early voting site.

In IL, you can register the same day with proper identification.

You do not need to speak English to vote in any state.

You do not need to pass a test to vote in any state.

If you are in line before polling closes, you have the right to vote.

“We know this administration has consistently abused power, attacking our most basic civil rights and liberties. The ACLU has been there at every turn to push back to make sure that Illinoisans are protected and supported. Access to the ballot is no different. The Trump Administration is attempting to limit access to voting, and the ACLU is working in Illinois and across the country to empower and educate voters about their rights, to protect voting from federal interference, and to continue to show up for all Illinoisans. And, at the same time, we are making it clear to communities that their vote continues the work of standing up for our neighbors and for democracy. Each of us must vote in this election – vote for the policies we want, vote for the changes we need, and vote like our rights depend on it. Because they do,” said ACLU, Aisha N Davis.

“All eligible citizens have the right to vote, and at ICIRR we’ve long made it our mission to educate, get out the vote AND protect the rights of all voters at the polling place,” said Bassem Kawar, Sr. Director of Political Department. “Here at ICIRR, we are committed to working with our longstanding partners, many of whom are here with us today and others, to ensure the rights of all voters are respected and upheld on Election Day. We encourage people to visit the 866OURVOTE.org website or call 1-866-OUR-VOTE in advance of early voting and getting in touch with trusted election experts.”

“Election security is built into every part of our process, from our voting equipment to our well-trained Election Judges and our coordination with law enforcement and community partners,” said Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon. “Our job is to make sure every polling place is a safe and protected civic space where voters can cast their ballots without fear or intimidation, and we will be ready to deliver a secure election.”

For the Homeland Security Committee one-pager on the legality of deploying ICE agents to polling locations, CLICK HERE.

For the Know Your Rights at the Poll card, CLICK HERE.",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ramirez-jayapal-and-garcia-urge-trump-administration-respect-brazils-electoral,"Ramirez, Jayapal, and García Urge the Trump Administration to Respect Brazil’s Electoral Process",2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Delia C. Ramirez,R000617,ramirez.house.gov,ramirez,https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Yesterday, Congressmembers Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Congressmembers Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) led 28 colleagues in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio raising serious concerns about the Trump administration’s efforts to undermine the Western Hemisphere’s second-largest democracy ahead of Brazil’s presidential election next month.

In the letter, the Members of Congress asked Secretary Rubio to confirm whether the administration will commit to respecting Brazil’s electoral process and to recognizing its certified outcome.

“Over the course of President Trump’s second term, we have seen U.S. officials engage in a sustained, multifaceted campaign of interference and destabilization in Brazil,” wrote the members.

Last year, the Trump administration began imposing tariffs and sanctions to pressure Brazil’s Supreme Court over its trial of former president Jair Bolsonaro for his role in an attempted coup, intended to overturn Brazil’s 2022 presidential elections. Recently, the administration designated Brazilian gangs as “foreign terrorist organizations” (FTOs) two days after right-wing presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro, Jair Bolsonaro's son, reportedly made such a request to President Trump in the Oval Office.

“Rather than helping defend Brazilian democracy, the United States is acting as an agent of interference and destabilization—using diplomatic, economic, and political pressure in ways that risk weakening the country’s democratic institutions, undermining confidence in Brazil's electoral process, and inflicting further damage on our relationship with a strategic U.S. ally and trading partner,” concluded the members.

The Trump administration’s efforts reflect a deeply troubled pattern of interference in recent electoral processes across Latin America, including Argentina’s midterm elections and the presidential elections in Honduras and Colombia. The pattern risks eroding electorates’ confidence in democratic processes and institutions across the region.

The letter was also signed by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Reps. Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Summer Lee (PA-12), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04),Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), André Carson (IN-07), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Greg Casar (TX-35), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Jim Costa (CA-21), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Stephen L. Lynch (MA-08), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Steve Cohen (TN-09), and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14),

The letter has been endorsed by the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR), Washington Brazil Office (WBO), the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), the Latin American Working Group (LAWG), and the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns.",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/as-trump-craters-economy-duckworth-and-meng-reintroduce-resolution-to-empower-mothers-in-the-workforce,"As Trump Craters Economy, Duckworth and Meng Reintroduce Resolution to Empower Mothers in the Workforce",2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – As Donald Trump’s reckless policies continue to crater our economy and leave families behind, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Grace Meng (D-NY-06) reintroduced the Mom Economy Resolution to promote and empower mothers in the workforce across the nation. While the Trump Administration cuts critical lifelines that so many depend on and offer nothing to support Americans struggling to get by, the lawmakers’ bicameral resolution lays out a plan to support moms who enter and stay in the workplace through investments in childcare, the child tax credit, SNAP, increasing the minimum wage and paid leave. The legislation also includes additional provisions seeking to assist LGBTQ+ mothers and maternal care/family planning resources.

“Costs are climbing, child care is more expensive and too many moms are feeling left behind by an Administration that promised to help,” said Duckworth. “If we want to build a stronger economy, it’s past time we stop treating moms’ time as both expendable and endless. Our resolution recognizes the urgent need to invest in moms and make it easier for them to succeed in our workforce by advancing policies like universal child care, paid leave and beyond. Republicans in Congress must stop prioritizing harmful tax cuts that only benefit the ultra-wealthy and start working with Democrats to pass meaningful legislation that meets the needs of mothers across the country.”

“Moms are the backbone of our economy, but too often, the economy doesn’t work for them,” said Congresswoman Meng. ""Women still earn just 84 cents for every dollar earned by men, even as so many are bringing home half—or all—of their family’s income. That has to change. I’m proud to introduce the Mom Economy Resolution with Senator Duckworth, which builds on my Marshall Plan for Moms, to recognize the burdens working moms face and renew the call for paid leave, affordable childcare, and the support families need to thrive.”

""The childcare crisis isn't a mom problem, it's a $172 billion economic problem, and mothers have been absorbing the cost alone for too long ” said Reshma Saujani, founder and CEO of Moms First. ""I'm grateful to Congresswoman Meng and Senator Duckworth for their leadership. When we invest in paid leave and affordable childcare, we're not just helping moms — we're growing the economy.”

“The Mom Economy Resolution offers solutions to many of the devastating challenges moms and families are facing as our country’s care and affordability crises deepen,” said MomsRising Together Executive Director Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner. “It makes a powerful case for the measures that will open avenues for moms, families, small businesses, and our economy to thrive, including fair wages; affordable child care and health care, including maternal and reproductive care; improved access to nutritious food; paid family and medical leave; a permanent expansion of the Child Tax Credit; and a higher minimum wage. This is a finger-on-the-pulse Resolution and America’s moms are deeply grateful to Rep. Grace Meng for leading on it and championing the initiatives we urgently need.”

“The Mom Economy Resolution highlights an essential, and often forgotten, principle that mothers, who face a persistent gender wage gap, are critical to our nation's workforce and economy,” said Dr. Jamila K. Taylor, president and CEO of the Institute for Women's Policy Research (IWPR). “IWPR is proud to support this resolution that recognizes the crucial role mothers, especially mothers of color, play in their families’ economic security. By investing in care infrastructure, expanding inclusive tax credits, and improving workplace supports, we can strengthen families and the economy. The childcare crisis isn't a mom problem, it's a $172 billion economic problem, and mothers have been absorbing the cost alone for too long. I'm grateful to Congresswoman Meng and Senator Duckworth for their leadership. When we invest in paid leave and affordable childcare, we're not just helping moms — we're growing the economy.”

Supported by MomsRising Together the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, Moms First, National Partnership for Women and Families, A Better Balance, and National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum, this resolution comes at a time where the labor force has 20% fewer women in it than men, while at least four out of every ten women report having experienced gender discrimination at work. Moreover, the median earnings for women who work full-time is 84 cents and part-time 78 cents, for every dollar paid to men. The rate of the wage gap is even higher for Black women, Latinas, Native women and other communities of Asian American and Pacific Islander women.

Along with Duckworth, the legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR). Along with Meng, the legislation is cosponsored in the House by U.S Representatives Yvette Clarke (D-NY-09), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24).

Duckworth has long been a fierce advocate of policies that support middle-class families, including more affordable child care, universal-pre K, paid leave and more. Duckworth is a cosponsor of the Child Care for Working Families Act, comprehensive legislation to help tackle the child care crisis and ensure that families across America can find and afford the high-quality child care they need. Duckworth also helped reintroduce the Healthy Families Act of 2023, which would guarantee paid sick leave to workers in America.

A copy of the resolution can be found on Senator Duckworth's website.

-30-",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-hoeven-bipartisan-bills-to-support-the-health-of-our-aviation-workforce-and-strengthen-aviation-safety-pass-the-senate,Duckworth-Hoeven Bipartisan Bills to Support the Health of Our Aviation Workforce and Strengthen Aviation Safety Pass the Senate,2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Two bipartisan pieces of legislation led by U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and Ranking Member of the Aviation Subcommittee—and U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) to support the health of our aviation workforce and strengthen aviation safety today passed the Senate with unanimous consent. Duckworth’s Aviation Medication Transparency Act, co-led by Senator Hoeven, would require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue accessible, user-friendly guidance on medications that are safe for individuals holding, applying for or training for a position that requires an FAA medical certificate—helping ensure these individuals don’t unknowingly take medications that could put their careers in jeopardy.

“Our aviation system depends on the well-being of our pilots and air traffic controllers, who operate under an immense amount of stress. Their careers should never be threatened because they weren’t properly informed about which medications they’re allowed to take, or simply sought the mental health care they need,” said Duckworth. “These two bipartisan, commonsense bills will help make it easier for those in our aviation workforce to take care of themselves without fearing for their job security—while also sending this important message to future recruits. Now that they’ve passed the Senate with unanimous consent, the House must do the same so we can address bureaucratic shortcomings within the FAA, dismantle the dangerous culture of silence surrounding mental health in the aviation industry and ultimately make our skies safer.”

Additionally, Hoeven’s John A. Hauser Mental Health in Aviation Act, co-led by Senator Duckworth, would require the FAA to modernize and strengthen access to mental health care—removing barriers to timely treatment, promoting early intervention and supporting the well-being of our pilots and air traffic controllers (ATC) that lead to safer skies.

“Our nation faces a severe shortage of qualified pilots and air traffic controllers, while bureaucratic delays and outdated processes at the FAA keep these professionals from working for prolonged periods when they seek mental health care. Our Mental Health in Aviation Act would provide much-needed updates to the FAA’s Medical Certificate process to help ensure pilots and air traffic controllers can get the care they need without undue repercussions to their careers,” said Hoeven. “I appreciate Senator Duckworth for partnering with me on both this legislation and her Aviation Medication Transparency Act, which will provide more certainty regarding which medications are approved by the FAA for aviation professionals. Together, our bills will make a real difference for the well-being of pilots and controllers.”

The FAA currently provides Aviation Medical Examiners with specific guidance on medications that are safe for individuals holding an FAA medical certificate to take—but confoundingly, this crucial information is not easily accessible to pilots, ATCs and other aviation professionals. As a result, pilots and ATCs with medical certifications may unknowingly take medications that could potentially jeopardize their careers.

To help make this information more accessible, the Aviation Medication Transparency Act would require the FAA to:

Publish within one year of enactment—and keep up-to-update—a comprehensive, user-friendly and accessible list of medications that are safe for pilots, air traffic control specialists and trainees, developed in consultation with various stakeholders.

Indicate what, if any, period of time individuals holding an FAA medical certificate must have limited or no duties while taking this medication.

Indicate a list of medications the FAA has designated as “Do Not Issue” and “Do Not Fly.”

Provide information for doctors to contact the FAA should they have any questions.

In addition to Duckworth and Hoeven, the Aviation Medication Transparency Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Katie Britt (R-AL), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), James Risch (R-ID), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jack Reed (D-RI), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mark Warner (D-VA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Coons (D-DE) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).

This legislation is also endorsed by the Airlines for America, Air Line Pilots Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, National Air Traffic Controllers Association, National Business Aviation Association, National Flight Training Alliance, NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots, Pilot Menal Health Campaign, Southwest Airlines Pilots Association and United Aerial Firefighters Association.

Additionally, under current FAA regulations, pilots and ATCs must acquire and maintain an FAA medical certificate, which requires the disclosure of any medical treatments—including for mental health. Once disclosed, they can face extended bureaucratic delays during the lengthy process they must undergo to receive their medical certification and be deemed safe to perform their jobs. As a result, there is a stigma against seeking mental health care which discourages pilots and ATCs from getting the care they need and deserve for their uniquely demanding professions.

To encourage pilots and ATCs to seek care early and improve aviation safety, the John A. Hauser Mental Health in Aviation Act would require the FAA to:

Modernize mental health guidance regulations for pilots and air traffic controllers to encourage the early disclosure and treatment of mental health conditions and to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in aviation.

Annually review the FAA’s Special Issuance Medical Certification process, appropriate mental health treatments and medication use and overall mental health training for Aviation Medical Examiners.

Authorize $15 million annually (FY2026–FY2029) to the FAA’s Office of Aerospace Medicine to expand and train additional medical examiners, including specialists, to improve the efficiency of the FAA’s Special Issuance Medical Certification process.

Authorize $1.5 million annually (FY2026–FY2029) for a public information campaign to help reduce the stigma around mental health care in aviation and encourage pilots and air traffic controllers to seek treatment.

In addition to Hoeven and Duckworth, the John A. Hauser Mental Health in Aviation Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Curtis (R-UT), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Andy Kim (D-NJ), James Risch (R-ID), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), John Kennedy (R-LA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Chris Coons (D-DE), Steve Daines (R-MT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).

This legislation is also endorsed by Airlines for America, Regional Airline Association, the Air Line Pilots Association, National Air Traffic Controllers Association, National Business Aviation Association, Association of Air Medical Services, National Flight Training Alliance, NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots, Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, Allied Pilots Association, Coalition of Airline Pilots and Pilots Mental Health Campaign.

Full text of the Aviation Medication Transparency Act and the Mental Health in Aviation Act are available on Senator Duckworth’s website.

Duckworth has long been a leading voice in the push to make our skies safer. For years, she has been sounding the alarm that we must make critical aviation safety investments immediately to prevent all-too-often near-misses from becoming catastrophic tragedies. Last Congress, Duckworth chaired two CST Aviation Subcommittee hearings—one last December and the other a year prior—to address our aviation industry’s chilling surge in near-deadly close calls and underscore the urgent need to improve air traffic control systems to protect the flying public.

Duckworth helped author the landmark bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 that was signed into law to extend the FAA’s funding and authorities through Fiscal Year 2028. The reauthorization included several of her provisions to safeguard the 1,500-hour rule, improve consumer safety, expand the aviation workforce and enhance protections for travelers with disabilities.

-30-",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-leads-senate-democrats-in-renewed-push-to-help-prevent-police-involved-deaths-and-provide-justice-for-families,Duckworth Leads Senate Democrats in Renewed Push to Help Prevent Police-Involved Deaths and Provide Justice for Families,2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – On the 29th birthday of Laquan McDonald, an Illinoisan teen who was shot and killed at the hands of a Chicago Police Department (CPD) officer with a recorded history of excessive force, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) is leading her Senate Democratic colleagues in reintroducing legislation that would help restore trust between law enforcement officials and the communities they serve by helping prevent police-involved deaths and encouraging independent, impartial investigations into law enforcement officials’ use of deadly force. The Police Training and Independent Review Act—the second piece of legislation that Senator Duckworth ever introduced in the Senate—would create financial incentives for states to require training for law enforcement officials on fair and impartial policing and best practices for working with members of the community who are disabled and have mental illnesses. Additionally, it would encourage communities to use independent prosecutors to investigate law enforcement officials’ use of deadly force. When implemented, the legislation would authorize the U.S. Attorney General to award grants to states that require an independent investigation and, if warranted, prosecution in cases where one or more of the alleged offenses result in death or serious bodily harm. Companion legislation will soon be introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-09).

“From Chicago to Louisville or anywhere in America, we cannot allow ourselves to accept that Black teenagers, men and women are still being unjustly executed at the hands of law enforcement without judge or jury,” said Duckworth. “Laquan McDonald’s death was preventable, and Congress still has yet to do enough to ensure tragedies like his never happen again. In honor of Laquan 29th heavenly birthday, I’m proud to lead Senate Democrats in reintroducing this overdue legislation that would help save lives and restore trust between law enforcement and local communities by increasing resources for training to help prevent such incidents, while promoting objective and independent investigations of police-involved uses of deadly force. Families like Laquan McDonald’s that have experienced heartbreak are no less deserving of justice than any other family. It’s time our country acts to ensure accountability within our law enforcement agencies and provide justice to those who have lost loved ones.”

12 years ago, Laquan MacDonald—who was 17 years old at the time—was shot and killed by a 14-year CPD officer with over 20 citizen complaints, including many for excessive force. CPD office Jason Van Dyke shot McDonald 16 times, many after he already was on the ground. Tragically, McDonald's story is all too familiar. Police in the United States kill more than 1,000 people each year, yet fewer than 3 percent of those killings result in an officer being charged with a crime. In much of the country, the officer's own department investigates a police killing while a local prosecutor—who works alongside that department every day—decides whether to bring charges, an inherent conflict of interest this legislation is designed to eliminate.

The types of independent investigation and prosecution of law enforcement that would be eligible for financial incentives under the Police Training and Independent Review Act include:

The use of an independent agency, civilian review board or outside law enforcement department, such as the State Police, responsible for independently investigating and prosecuting all officer use of force allegations.

The appointment of the State Attorney General, or a special prosecutor overseen by the State Attorney General, responsible for conducting the criminal investigation and prosecution.

The use of an independent prosecutor, who does not reside or work in the same county as the county where the officer’s use of force was committed.

Along with Duckworth, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-padilla-introduce-new-legislation-to-prevent-unlawful-immigration-arrests-and-detentions,"Durbin, Padilla Introduce New Legislation To Prevent Unlawful Immigration Arrests & Detentions",2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"The Immigration Warrant Reform Act would push back on the Trump Administration’s indiscriminate and violent immigration enforcement across the country

WASHINGTON – After immigration enforcement agents have arbitrarily arrested countless U.S. citizens and immigrants with lawful status, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration, introduced new legislation to clarify existing requirements for immigration arrests and codify statutory procedures to prevent unlawful arrests and detentions. U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Angus King (I-ME), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined as cosponsors.

In a concurrence in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo, Justice Kavanaugh relied on these gaps in immigration laws to find that immigration agents may make stops based solely on apparent race and ethnicity, speaking Spanish or English with an accent, and presence at certain worksites. The Trump Administration has gone beyond “stops” to arrest and even brutally attack U.S. citizens and immigrants without probable cause or a warrant for the arrest. The Trump Administration has further interpreted immigration laws to require immigration judges to deny bond to any noncitizen who entered the United States without inspection, regardless of how long they have been in the country, and severely limit the opportunities for an immigration judge to release noncitizens on bond.

“The disturbing reality today is that many American citizens and immigrants with lawful status have been caught in the Trump Administration’s indiscriminate and violent immigration enforcement dragnet across the country,” Durbin said. “As Justice Sotomayor stated in her dissent in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo, referring to immigration agents: ‘United States citizens are … being seized, taken from their jobs, and prevented from working to support themselves and their families.’ This must stop. The Immigration Warrant Reform Act will help prevent these due process violations while ensuring noncitizens who present a threat to public safety are not released. It is commonsense, and I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support it.”

“Republicans continued to write blank checks to ICE and CBP while serious concerns remain about officer and agent training, accountability, and the treatment of U.S. citizens,” said Padilla. “Every person in America has civil rights — in spite of this Administration’s total disregard for the Constitution. This bill would establish stronger accountability and oversight, restore due process, and ensure federal immigration enforcement respects the rights and safety of Americans and noncitizens alike.”

The Immigration Warrant Reform Act would bring immigration enforcement procedures in line with the standards that all law enforcement have to follow, by—

Codifying specific criteria for warrantless civil immigration arrests in the interior of the United States—

To limit the circumstances for warrantless arrest to those where a noncitizen presents an imminent danger to the community requiring immediate arrest, and is likely to escape before a warrant can be obtained; and

To require a bond hearing within 24 hours of any warrantless arrest to determine whether the conditions above were met, and release the individual if they do not present a danger to the community;

Codifying in statute criteria for obtaining an administrative warrant to arrest a noncitizen for civil immigration enforcement purposes, including by requiring immigration officers to—

Document probable cause of an individual’s inadmissibility and removability under the Immigration and Nationality Act; and

Obtain approval for an administrative warrant from a supervisory immigration officer;

Codifying in statute the requirement for periodic hearings in front of an immigration judge or federal judge for detained noncitizens; and

Clarifying that mandatory detention provisions applicable at the border should not apply to immigrants in the interior of the United States.

These changes would not allow for release of noncitizens who present a threat to public safety.

Bill text is available here.

A section-by-section of the bill is available here.

In December, Durbin launched an investigation into the reported arrests of U.S. citizens under the Trump Administration’s violent immigration enforcement agenda. In a letter to then-DHS Secretary Noem, Durbin called out the dangerous and reckless enforcement actions, including arrests and detentions of U.S. citizens and targeting of minorities in cities like Chicago.

-30-",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-supreme-court-allowing-trump-administration-to-proceed-with-flawed-voter-screening-database-ahead-of-midterms,Durbin Statement On Supreme Court Allowing Trump Administration To Proceed With Flawed Voter Screening Database Ahead Of Midterms,2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled today that the Trump Administration can move forward with an expansive and flawed database that states can use for potential voter purges. The database attempts to combine citizenship information, Social Security numbers, and other sensitive data about millions of Americans and is rife with errors:

“The Supreme Court just allowed the Trump Administration to weaponize an unreliable database against Americans’ fundamental right to vote less than six weeks before a consequential midterm election. With his poll numbers lagging, Donald Trump continues to attack Americans’ right to vote because he knows his party can’t win on the issues.

“Federal law already prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections, and every eligible voter across America has the right to cast a ballot—and should be able to do so without fear of being wrongly purged from the voting rolls. The right to vote is fundamental to our nation’s democracy, and President Trump’s efforts to chip away at that fundamental right and interfere with the election must be rejected.”

In an unsigned per curiam opinion, over the objections of at least three dissenting justices, a majority of the Court granted a request for emergency relief from the Justice Department to stay a June ruling which had blocked the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) overhauled database—called the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE)—which the Administration allows states and localities to use to verify citizenship and immigration status of registered voters. As Justice Jackson pointed out in her dissent, the Court “focuse[d] only on the harms the Government will purportedly suffer absent a stay, disregarding the harms that the modified SAVE system has caused, and will likely continue to cause, to lawful voters.”

In April, Durbin, along with U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee; Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee; and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) led 24 of their Democratic colleagues in demanding DHS and the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) follow existing federal law over a troubling, unconstitutional March 31 Executive Order signed by President Trump. The directive risked disenfranchising eligible voters, including by requiring DHS to create eligible voter lists—which is an administrative function reserved primarily for the states. Under the order, DHS is required to use data from the SAVE program that incorporates incorrect and out-of-date citizenship information from SSA, which DHS has acknowledged may produce inaccurate citizenship verification results.

-30-",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-announces-more-5-million-returned-il-10-constituents-through,SCHNEIDER ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $5 MILLION RETURNED TO IL-10 CONSTITUENTS THROUGH CASEWORK,2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Bradley Scott Schneider,S001190,schneider.house.gov,schneider,https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"LINCOLNSHIRE, IL –Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement after his team returned more than $5 million to IL-10 constituents this year through resolving casework issues like delayed Social Security benefits, IRS tax returns, and VA benefits. If you are having an issue with a federal agency, please reach out for assistance at (847) 383-4870.

“Representing the people of the 10th district is the greatest responsibility and highest honor of my professional life. Among the many aspects of this job that bring me pride is the work of my team helping constituents across the district,” said Schneider. “Every day we are seeking solutions to the issues affecting residents, from helping with an urgent passport renewal, to addressing a delayed tax return, or resolving issues with Veterans’ Benefits, Medicare, or Social Security. Navigating federal agency processes is often difficult, if not impossible. My team has the experience, knowledge, and personal relationships to clear away obstacles and cut through red tape. All kudos to them for helping secure more than $5 million for IL-10 constituents this year alone.”

To learn more about how Rep. Schneider’s office has assisted constituents, visit the Constituent Success Stories page.

###",1,2026-09-28T11:29:07Z,2026-09-28T11:30:58Z
https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-gillibrand-call-hearings-after-navy-discloses-8-attempeted-suicides,"SCHNEIDER, GILLIBRAND CALL FOR HEARINGS AFTER NAVY DISCLOSES 8 ATTEMPETED SUICIDES BY SAILORS IN USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN CARRIER STRIKE GROUP",2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Bradley Scott Schneider,S001190,schneider.house.gov,schneider,https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, called for congressional hearings following the Navy’s confirmation that 8 sailors in the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group had attempted suicide during the group’s most recent deployment. This admission was made in a September 22 letter Gillibrand received from Acting United States Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao, weeks after administration officials and the president had dismissed families’ and soldiers’ concerns about conditions on board the ship.

Acting Secretary Cao’s response follows the August 2026 letter that Gillibrand and 14 of her colleagues sent to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth calling for transparency after reporting detailed dismal conditions for sailors on board the USS Abraham Lincoln. Gillibrand also previously demanded hearings over those reports.

“What Trump and Secretary Hegseth dismissed as ‘fake news’ turned out to be serious and deteriorating conditions for our service members,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “Our troops and their families make immense sacrifices every single day, yet the president dismissed them with open disrespect. That this administration can find endless taxpayer dollars for bombs, ballrooms, and billionaires, but cannot take care of our service members, is completely unacceptable. The American people need hearings, accountability, and a clear plan to protect our service members and prioritize American families.”

“As the Member of Congress representing Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago, where every Navy recruit receives basic training, the health and well-being of our men and women in uniform is one of my highest priorities,” said Rep. Brad Schneider. “Every American should be outraged by this Administration’s failure to equip our service members with the tools and support they need to carry out a successful deployment and the blatant lies about the conditions sailors were experiencing on the USS Abraham Lincoln. The new reporting from CNN in response to Senator Gillibrand’s oversight effort is deeply concerning and should alarm everyone. I’m glad to join Senator Gillibrand in calling for open and public hearings to get the answers the American people and our service members deserve.”

In the response letter, Acting Secretary Cao wrote, “Since the beginning of Lincoln's deployment, there have been a total of eight suicide attempts across the strike group - this number includes the Lincoln crew and Sailors from the carrier air wing, strike group and destroyer squadron staff, escorting destroyers, and all embarked aviation squadrons.”

The letter detailed one particular suicide attempt, in which “one Sailor attempted to go overboard in March and was stopped by his shipmates. That Sailor was also provided immediate medical care and subsequently returned to homeport.”",1,2026-09-28T11:29:07Z,2026-09-28T11:30:58Z
https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/garcia-ramirez-host-election-protection-roundtable-with-local-advocates-election-officials,"García, Ramirez Host Election Protection Roundtable with Local Advocates, Election Officials",2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,"Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García",G000586,chuygarcia.house.gov,chuygarcia,https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Chicago, IL — Today, Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) and Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) hosted an election security and polling location safety roundtable with public officials, government agencies, community stakeholders, and other partners to discuss preparedness and coordination efforts to keep polling locations safe, secure, accessible, and free from intimidation or disruption.

The roundtable comes after months of constant threats of the presence of armed federal officials at polling locations made by the Trump administration and the recently released plan for Election Infrastructure Security by the Department of Homeland Security. Just today, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration’s SAVE program, a flawed voters database that removes eligible voters from the rolls.

""We all know the lengths Trump will go to discredit our elections,"" said Congressman García. “But after hearing from the participants of this roundtable today, I'm confident we'll be ready for November. Every eligible citizen deserves to know when, where, and how to cast their ballot, and they should get that information from people they trust, not from Trump's lies and misinformation. While Trump and his anti-voting allies in Congress keep working to undermine confidence in our elections, Congresswoman Ramirez and I will keep working just as hard to defend them.""

“In the face of an authoritarian attack on our democracy, it is up to an intergovernmental coalition to protect our elections and ensure every person’s vote is counted and represented. It is up to us to roll up our sleeves and step into the work of cooperation, organizing, and solidarity to protect our democracy,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “Our message is clear: We will not be bullied, we will not be intimidated, and we will not let our constituents be dissuaded from exercising their constitutional rights.”

The members of Congress and organizations reminded constituents that:

In IL, you don’t need an ID if you are registered to vote.

In IL, you can vote early at any early voting site.

In IL, you can register the same day with proper identification.

You do not need to speak English to vote in any state.

You do not need to pass a test to vote in any state.

If you are in line before polling closes, you have the right to vote.

“We know this administration has consistently abused power, attacking our most basic civil rights and liberties. The ACLU has been there at every turn to push back to make sure that Illinoisans are protected and supported. Access to the ballot is no different. The Trump Administration is attempting to limit access to voting, and the ACLU is working in Illinois and across the country to empower and educate voters about their rights, to protect voting from federal interference, and to continue to show up for all Illinoisans. And, at the same time, we are making it clear to communities that their vote continues the work of standing up for our neighbors and for democracy. Each of us must vote in this election – vote for the policies we want, vote for the changes we need, and vote like our rights depend on it. Because they do,” said ACLU, Aisha N Davis.

“All eligible citizens have the right to vote, and at ICIRR we’ve long made it our mission to educate, get out the vote AND protect the rights of all voters at the polling place,” said Bassem Kawar, Sr. Director of Political Department. “Here at ICIRR, we are committed to working with our longstanding partners, many of whom are here with us today and others, to ensure the rights of all voters are respected and upheld on Election Day. We encourage people to visit the 866OURVOTE.org website or call 1-866-OUR-VOTE in advance of early voting and getting in touch with trusted election experts.”

“Election security is built into every part of our process, from our voting equipment to our well-trained Election Judges and our coordination with law enforcement and community partners,” said Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon. “Our job is to make sure every polling place is a safe and protected civic space where voters can cast their ballots without fear or intimidation, and we will be ready to deliver a secure election.”

For the Homeland Security Committee one-pager on the legality of deploying ICE agents to polling locations, CLICK HERE.

For the Know Your Rights at the Poll card, CLICK HERE.

For photos of the event,CLICK HERE.

###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-secures-more-6-million-federal-funding-support-child-care-nursing,"Underwood Secures More Than $6 Million in Federal Funding to Support Child Care, Nursing Education Flood Prevention, and More in Northern Illinois",2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Lauren Underwood,U000040,underwood.house.gov,underwood,https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — This week, Representative Lauren Underwood announced a new round of federal funding she has secured for childcare, nursing education, substance abuse treatment, university research, and flood prevention in northern Illinois.

As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Underwood has made securing federal resources for our community a top priority. The following funds will support programs in the 14th District with federal resources:

Childcare Resource and Referral, Joliet, Illinois – $1,946,280

Childcare Resource and Referral in Joliet has been awarded $1,946,280 in federal funding through the Office of Head Start at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

This grant increases access to high-quality, full day, full-year child care, including family child care for low-income working families. The grant also supports programming to support the development of infants and toddlers through strong relationship-based experiences and prepares them for the transition into Head Start and preschool.

Lewis University, Romeoville, Illinois – $103,401

Lewis University in Romeoville has been awarded $103,401 in federal funding through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

This grant supports low interest loans to nursing students and loan cancellation for students who then go on to work as faculty. The loans, provided through the Nurse Faculty Loan Program at HRSA, seek to increase the number of qualified nursing faculty nationwide.

Will County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, Illinois – $125,000

Will County has been awarded $125,000 in federal funding administered through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

This grant expands the availability of substance abuse treatment and recovery services available to Americans to improve the lives of those affected by alcohol and drug addictions, and to reduce the impact of alcohol and drug abuse on individuals, families, communities.

City of Ottawa, Ottawa, Illinois – $2,300,051

The City of Ottawa has been awarded $2,300,051 in federal funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency at the Department of Homeland Security.

This grant will fund the acquisition and demolition of a property in the City of Ottawa that is impacted by overbank flooding from the Fox River. After demolition, the property will be restored to open space, removing the potential for future flood damage.

City of Joliet, Joliet, Illinois – $1,000,000

The City of Joliet has been awarded $1,000,000 in federal funding through Office of Flex Grants at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

This grant funds a no-cost mental health program to connect residents of all ages to rapid counseling and support through coordinated referrals, expanding access to in-person and telehealth services.

Northern Illinois University, DeKalb Illinois – $186,250

Will County has been awarded $186,250 in federal funding through the National Eye Institute at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

This grant supports research into word learning and vocabulary development in blind children being conducted at the university.

Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois – $147,766

Northern Illinois University in DeKalb has been awarded $147,766 in federal funding through the National Institute of General Medical Sciences at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

This grant supports allergy and infectious disease research being conducted at the university.

Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois – $476,199

Northern Illinois University in DeKalb has been awarded $476,199 in federal funding through the National Institute of General Medical Sciences at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

This grant supports biomedical research and research training being conducted at the university.

###",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-boozman-lead-bill-to-enhance-support-of-women-veterans,"Duckworth, Boozman Lead Bill to Enhance Support of Women Veterans",2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"The VOICE for Women Veterans Act would require a comprehensive look at VA care, benefits and services to identify areas for improvement

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and John Boozman (R-AR), members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen oversight of women Veterans’ health care and improve access to the services and resources they need. The Veterans’ Outcomes, Inclusion, Care, and Experience (VOICE) for Women Veterans Act would modernize an annual report from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) so legislators, the VA and Veteran advocates have a comprehensive reference to drive change and resolve issues affecting the care and benefits women Veterans have earned and deserve.

“Our nation would never be ready for battle without our brave women in uniform. For all they’ve sacrificed for our country, we owe it to our women heroes to ensure the VA is equipped to provide them the high-quality, tailored care that they have earned through their service,” said Duckworth. “Our bipartisan legislation would require the VA to take a deep look at how well female Veterans are actually being served and how we can improve health outcomes. As the primary health care home for Veterans, this comprehensive review at the VA is long overdue to better care for the fastest growing Veteran group in the country.”

“Women veterans have made tremendous sacrifices in service to our nation, and they deserve access to the quality care and resources they have earned. As we look to improve the quality of care for women veterans in Arkansas and across the country, we must ensure the VA gathers the data and information necessary to identify gaps, address challenges and improve health outcomes. This bipartisan legislation will help strengthen accountability and ensure women veterans receive the care and support they are owed,” said Boozman.

This bill is supported by the Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled American Veterans and Paralyzed Veterans of America.

The full bill text is available on Senator Duckworth’s website.

Duckworth has been a fierce leader and advocate for improving our Veterans’ and servicemembers’ access to the care they need. Earlier this year during a SVAC hearing, Duckworth pressed and secured a commitment from Dr. Mark Koeniger, Acting Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Patient Care Services at the Veterans Health Administration, on behalf of the VA to continue working with her as she seeks to pass her Maternal Health for Veterans Act. This Duckworth bill builds on the Senator’s Protecting Moms Who Served Act—signed into law in 2021—that strengthens oversight of VA maternity care coordination and expands access for women Veterans. The Senator also introduced the bipartisan Copay Fairness for Veterans Act that would eliminate out-of-pocket costs that Veterans are disproportionately forced to pay for preventative health care services they’ve earned through their military service. She also reintroduced legislation that would improve Veterans’ access to contraception and increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness for contraceptive products at the VA.

Last year, Duckworth also joined U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) in reintroducing legislation to help make it easier for our Veterans who struggle with infertility to build their families. Earlier last year, Duckworth railed against the Trump Administration for indiscriminately firing Veterans Crisis Line workers and introduced her Protect Veteran Jobs Act with U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) to reinstate the thousands of Veterans who were fired in Trump’s mass layoffs—an effort Republicans shamefully blocked in March.

-30-",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-slams-trump-for-targeting-military-families-for-deportation,Duckworth Slams Trump for Targeting Military Families for Deportation,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) slammed Donald Trump and his Administration for targeting military families in their extreme immigration enforcement campaign, arguing that their efforts are hurting military readiness, morale and national security. Appearing at a press conference beside other Veterans, military family members and advocates, Duckworth stressed how the Administration’s tactics are not only inhumane, but also send an unacceptable message to the brave servicemembers currently fighting in Trump’s war of choice and to future recruits. Key quotes from Duckworth’s remarks can be found below and the full livestream can be found on the Senator’s YouTube.

Key Quotes:

“It’s a betrayal to our heroes to have a family member detained or deported by the same nation they sacrificed to defend. No servicemember should be forced to choose between fulfilling their military obligations and protecting their families. And with fewer and fewer people enlisting as the years go on, we should be celebrating every person who serves, including their families who sacrifice so much to support them…I’m here today to call out that five-time draft-dodging coward for dodging his most sacred responsibility: honoring those who were actually brave enough to serve.”

“The Trump Administration’s actions are inhumane, and they’re disastrous from a national security perspective. We don’t need our troops who are heading into a firefight to be worried about whether their husband or wife is going to get picked up on the streets, leaving their toddler in foster care…What does any of that do to our military’s morale? To our national strength? To our reenlistment numbers? What message does any of that send to our troops—or to our enemies?”

“I’m grateful that last spring I was able to help secure the release of military spouse Deisy Rivera Ortega from ICE detention after she was arrested with no warrant and no explanation. But she should never have been in that situation in the first place…There are countless other ‘Deisys’ out there, and just as they and their loved ones fought for this country, we now need to fight for them. So going forward, I will keep doing just that, including by working to codify Military Parole in Place—because these families deserve protections that don’t disappear with a change in Administration.”

Duckworth has been leading the charge advocating against the Trump Administration’s cruel efforts to target military families and Veterans in its extreme deportation campaign. In May, the Senator successfully secured the release of military spouse Deisy Rivera Ortega from ICE detention after the Senator personally called DHS Director Markwayne Mullin advocating on Ms. Rivera Ortega’s behalf.

Last month, Duckworth and her colleagues pressed the Administration for answers on its efforts to coordinate to arrest, detain and deport hundreds of Veterans and military families. In June, Duckworth lambasted the Administration for gutting the Immigrant Military Members and Veteran Initiative (IMMVI), a collaboration between the DHS and VA created in 2021 to help streamline immigration processes for Veterans and their families. Earlier this year, the Senator introduced bicameral legislation that aims to protect military families from deportation and forced separation detrimental to military morale and mission readiness.

Duckworth has also long fought to protect pathways to citizenship for noncitizen servicemembers and Veterans, as well as the benefits they earned through their service. Last November, Duckworth reintroduced her sweeping package of legislation that would prohibit the deportation of immigrant Veterans who are not violent offenders, provide these Veterans with a pathway to citizenship through their military service and help ensure those who have already been deported can access the VA healthcare services they are entitled to.

-30-",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-introduces-care-for-moms-act-to-address-maternal-mortality,Durbin Introduces Care For Moms Act To Address Maternal Mortality,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"The CARE for Moms Act is a comprehensive solution to the crisis of mortality and morbidity among American mothers, particularly Black mothers

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today introduced the Community Access, Resources, and Empowerment (CARE) for Moms Act as maternal mortality and morbidity continues to rise across the United States, disproportionately impacting Black women. The CARE for Moms Act builds upon Durbin’s MOMMA Act, a provision of which was passed as part of the American Rescue Plan. The provision ensured that states had the option to expand Medicaid coverage to new moms from 60 days postpartum to a full year postpartum. Illinois was the first state to do so.

U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) introduced companion legislation in the House.

“In the U.S., Black women are three times more likely to die as a result of their pregnancy. It is unacceptable that in this country we are losing mothers and their babies to deaths that could have been prevented with the right interventions and health care,” said Durbin. “We must act to address this national tragedy. I’m introducing the CARE for Moms Act to provide more comprehensive and culturally competent maternal and postpartum health care for mothers, especially women of color, and their babies.”

The CARE for Moms Act supports the maternal health workforce, promotes access to prenatal and postpartum care, and provides the resources that moms and babies need to thrive. The legislation includes provisions to:

Establish a State-Based Perinatal Quality Collaborative Grant Program;

Establish Regional Centers of Excellence to tackle implicit bias and promote cultural competence among health professionals;

Support federal efforts to grow and diversify the doula workforce;

Extend Medicaid coverage for postpartum mothers in all 50 states;

Establish grants for Rural Obstetric Mobile Units;

Require 90-day prior notification to HHS for hospital obstetric unit closure;

Extend Medicaid and CHIP to Oral Health Coverage to pregnant and postpartum women;

Extend WIC benefits for postpartum and breastfeeding women for two years; and

Require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to produce a report on federal funding allocation for maternal health needs.

The U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate of any wealthy nation, with 18.6 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births in 2023. This is nearly double the maternal mortality rate of peer countries. The shocking statistics cut across geography, education level, income, and socio-economic status. The United States also ranks 32 out of the 38 wealthiest nations when it comes to infant mortality.

“While most pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, the U.S. remains one of the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth – and access to maternity care is a critical part of the crisis. Our latest report, Nowhere To Go: Maternity Care Deserts Across the U.S., found that 5.8 million women and 358,000 infants live in counties without full access to maternity care, putting families at greater risk of delayed care and poor outcomes. March of Dimes strongly supports the reintroduction of the CARE for Moms Act, which would address maternal health outcomes and barriers to care. We thank Representative Robin Kelly and Senator Richard Durbin for their leadership in advancing solutions to our nation’s maternal health crisis and working toward a healthier start for every mom and baby,” said Stacey Y. Brayboy, Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs for March of Dimes.

The CARE for Moms Act is endorsed by March of Dimes; the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs; the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses; and the National Partnership for Women & Families.

-30-",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-reed-peters-release-gao-report-detailing-reckless-expansion-of-immigration-detention-under-trump,"Durbin, Reed, Peters Release GAO Report Detailing Reckless Expansion Of Immigration Detention Under Trump",2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Senators release damning findings on rushed efforts to expand unsuitable immigration detention facilities, including Alligator Alcatraz and Guantánamo Bay

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee; U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee; and U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), led the release of the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) newly-completed report examining the Trump Administration’s flawed immigration detention expansion, including ill-conceived plans to convert warehouses to detention facilities, and waste and performance issues at facilities such as Alligator Alcatraz and Guantánamo Bay. GAO found that despite unprecedented funding, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has wasted and will continue to waste millions of taxpayer dollars on immigration detention expansion efforts due to a failure to appropriately plan for facilities that would meet immigration detention standards.

The Senators asked GAO to investigate detention expansion at the start of this Administration due to concerns of deteriorating conditions in detention facilities across the country. This is the second installment on the effects of rapid expansion after GAO’s scathing report about the Department of Defense and ICE detention facility on Fort Bliss, Camp East Montana.

“This report has uncovered more of what we’ve come to expect from the Trump Administration—cavalier and wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars without any benefit to the American people. Remember when Donald Trump promised to get rid of ‘waste, fraud, and abuse’ in Washington? Well, GAO now has exposed a shocking pattern of waste within the Administration’s unconscionable mass deportation campaign,” said Durbin. “The American people have rightfully expressed outrage at its detention expansion and enforcement policies, and it’s time to hold DHS and ICE responsible.”

“This report demonstrates exactly why the American people are demanding accountability for ICE,” Peters said. “The Administration spent millions of dollars recklessly expanding detention facilities that could not meet basic standards, only to later dismantle or retrofit the facilities at enormous cost, all while deaths within ICE detention have skyrocketed. The federal government has an obligation to provide safe and appropriate conditions for people in its custody, and ICE should not be wasting taxpayer dollars on facilities that cannot safely meet those needs.”

GAO found that DHS has no comprehensive plan for expansion. ICE’s chief planning document is a spreadsheet of new facilities with basic information such as facility capabilities and opening dates; however, even this spreadsheet does not accurately reflect ICE’s expansion activities. During site visits in September 2025 and February 2026, GAO staff inquired about facilities listed as opening within two months of their visit. In both instances, ICE field officials were unaware of plans to open those facilities and indicated they did not anticipate the facilities would open. As of June 2026, ICE had not approved the use of these facilities.

The report reveals that ICE has not been clear with the public about its targets for detention. In July 2025, DHS publicly stated that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) would fund approximately 80,000 detention beds. However, in June 2026, ICE officials told the GAO that the administration’s goal is to increase detention space to 100,000 beds. That goal is not reflected in ICE’s detention expansion documents.

The report includes disturbing details:

ICE has not stated any goals with respect to bed space needs, including location, gender, risk classification, and medical needs.

ICE’s decision to sell seven warehouses it purchased to convert to detention facilities has resulted in $7.7 million in non-recoverable costs like title insurance and zoning assessments, as well as an additional $12.8 million to date on utilities, security, and other services at these warehouses.

Despite having no agreement or contract in place authorizing Alligator Alcatraz to be used to detain immigrants, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in partnership with ICE, developed the Fiscal Year 2025 Detention Support Grant Program with the state of Florida as the sole eligible recipient. FEMA awarded $608.4 million through the program. Though Alligator Alcatraz is now closed, Florida’s Baker Correctional Institution has been added to the Detention Support Grant Program to be reimbursed. Like Alligator Alcatraz, Baker Correctional has no contract or agreement in place to detain immigrants.

ICE did not take high costs of operations at Guantánamo Bay into consideration and made costly errors in planning for detention there. DHS and the Department of Defense (DOD) began plans to create a capacity of 30,000 beds at Guantánamo. After DOD assembled tents to accommodate 5,000 people, DHS determined they didn’t meet detention standards and took the tents down at a cost of $2.8 million. DOD officials have stated it will be cost-prohibitive to build facilities that meet ICE’s detention standards. Between October 1, 2024, and June 30, 2026, an average of 16 immigrants were held at Guantánamo each day.

The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) charges two times ICE’s median daily bed rate. Florida more than two times ICE’s median daily bed rate.

ICE has not assessed whether it can afford the existing facilities it is buying long-term. As of July 2026, ICE had spent $2.5 billion to buy warehouses and detention facilities but has only estimated purchase and renovation costs and three years of operating costs; it has not projected costs after the first three years of operation, after which ICE will no longer have OBBBA and Secure America Act funds. Those funds are available only through fiscal year 2029.

A copy of the final report can be found here.

-30-",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-urges-chairman-grassley-to-hold-a-hearing-to-investigate-donald-trump-jr-accepting-a-lavish-gift-from-a-russian-oligarch,Durbin Urges Chairman Grassley To Hold A Hearing To Investigate Donald Trump Jr. Accepting A Lavish Gift from A Russian Oligarch,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Durbin: “If we ignore this matter in the Senate Judiciary Committee, we run the risk of being complicit in this coverup.”

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, again backed Senator John Curtis’s (R-UT) call for the Senate Judiciary Committee to investigate the use of presidential family relationships for private financial benefit, preferential treatment, or access by domestic and foreign interests. Curtis’s letter highlights the serious concerns over the lavish wedding reception provided to the President’s son, Donald Trump Jr., by a Russian oligarch. During his opening, Durbin reiterated that the Committee could take up the investigation during the lame duck session—rebutting Republicans’ statements that there is not enough time in the year.

Key Quotes:

“As I told the Chairman privately, I support Senator Curtis’s request. Corruption at the highest levels of our government should never be tolerated. If we ignore this matter in the Senate Judiciary Committee, we run the risk of being complicit in this coverup. Hunter Biden, who has already given a sworn deposition to Congress on this issue twice, has offered to appear before the Committee voluntarily.”

“Some claim that it’s too late in the year to investigate. Come on. This is September. Putting together the questions for a deposition of Donald Trump Jr. is not going to take more than a week, is it?... Republicans are about to take a six-week recess from the people’s business, but we have staff who can conduct a deposition of Donald Trump Jr. and Hunter Biden and we can hold a hearing when the Senate reconvenes in November.”

“Yesterday, the Chairman tried to justify ignoring Senator Curtis’s request by claiming the Democrats failed to conduct oversight during the Biden Administration. Not true. When I was Chair of the Committee, we held regular oversight hearings over the Justice Department, FBI, and DHS. And I frequently criticized the Biden Administration and compelled Biden officials to answer for their actions.”

“But to try to draw a moral equivalence between the misdeeds of the Biden Administration and the current Administration is ludicrous… In the first year since he returned to office, the President has tripled his wealth. He has made exponentially more money in office than any other President in history, raking in $1.4 billion from his family’s cryptocurrency businesses in 2025 alone.”

“President Trump has already taken a wrecking ball to the White House. This week, he has taken a wrecking ball to the First Amendment, barring several media outlets from the People’s House. This is nothing new from the President, who for years has called the press the ‘enemy of the people.’ He has done more to dismantle the freedom of the press than any President in modern history.”

“As I walked into this Committee with my staffers, [I was told] there was an order [from] a local federal judge yesterday, that …allowed three news entities to enter the White House today. It was reported to me that the White House has refused them from entry. An emergency order is being brought before this judge. How many times do we ask nominees, ‘do you think it is important that you follow the orders of the court?’ Every one of them has said yes, [yet] now at the highest level of the Trump Administration, they are defying a court order to allow three news outlets to cover the President of the United States.”

“This week, Judge [Patrick] Schiltz granted a rare interview to make clear what is at stake if we don’t stand up to this Administration. He said, ‘The rule of law to democracy is like oxygen to a human body …If you don’t have it, you have either anarchy or you have authoritarianism. You have Russia or you have China or you have North Korea.’ We would all be wise to heed that warning.”

Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available herefor TV Stations.

-30-",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ranking-members-durbin-raskin-padilla-press-dhs-secretary-on-refugee-admission-during-refugee-consultation-with-congress,"Ranking Members Durbin, Raskin, Padilla Press DHS Secretary On Refugee Admission During Refugee Consultation With Congress",2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"The Trump Administration provided minimal details on a plan to abandon American values and focus solely on admitting more white-only Afrikaner refugees

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee; U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration; and U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, yesterday pressed U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin on the Trump Administration’s uncertain refugee policies during an annual, statutorily required refugee consultation for Fiscal Year 2027. The meeting occurred as the Trump Administration announced a plan to welcome up to 17,500 White Afrikaners from South Africa as refugees over the next year.

During the meeting, Durbin urged Secretary Mullin to process more refugees from around the world, including our Afghan allies stranded abroad.

“The Trump Administration’s agenda is clear: prioritize white-only Afrikaners as refugees and disregard the millions of men, women, and children from around the world who are trying to escape horrific violence and persecution,” said Durbin. “Although we finally heard directly from a Cabinet official on this Administration’s refugee policies, unlike the last consultations, as the law requires, the Trump Administration is doing everything possible to attack our immigrant communities. We must restore our longstanding asylum policies and admit lawful refugees—including the Afghan allies who served alongside our troops abroad.”

“Yesterday’s consultation reinforces our sense that the Administration has turned America’s traditional refugee program into a whites-only airplane ride for South African Afrikaners into Trump’s America. Afghan allies who risked their lives fighting alongside our troops, religious minorities facing intensified persecution in Iran and tens of thousands of approved and pre-vetted refugees fleeing war from around the world have been left twisting in the wind for years. But white Afrikaners get the Elon Musk presidential red-carpet treatment. America should offer race-neutral asylum for people fleeing tyrants and war, but Donald Trump is stiff-arming families we promised to protect and turning a humanitarian lifeline into another exercise in political favoritism and racial exclusion,” said Raskin.

“Welcoming a thoughtful number of refugees every year is part of our nation’s legacy and an important international obligation. Yet the Trump Administration has all but closed the door on people fleeing persecution and natural disasters, even leaving behind Afghan allies who fought alongside U.S. service members and have now spent years in the resettlement pipeline,” said Padilla. “Meanwhile, the Administration is aggressively pursuing the deportation of refugees, asylum seekers, TPS holders, and green card holders to countries we know are unsafe and have questionable human rights records. It’s un-American and flies in the face of our longstanding commitment to being a beacon of freedom in the world. The Administration must restart refugee resettlement to a respectable and honorable level.”

In May, Durbin, Raskin, and Padilla, along with U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, released a statement after a consultation on the Trump Administration’s emergency refugee admissions plan to increase the refugee cap included only deputies, not Cabinet-level representatives as the law requires.

-30-",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ramirez-civil-society-community-leaders-announce-community-led-legislation,"Ramirez, Civil Society, & Community Leaders Announce Community-led Legislation to Dismantle DHS, Abolish ICE, Reimagine Community Safety",2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Delia C. Ramirez,R000617,ramirez.house.gov,ramirez,https://ramirez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Chicago, IL – Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Ranking Member of a Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee, stood with Illinois public officials, civil society, and community members to announce the Reimagining Safety Act. The landmark community-led legislation would create a new human- and community-centered federal department that promotes collective safety, repeal the authorities that give the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) its power, and redirect DHS funds to programs that working families rely on.

The Reimagining Safety Act is a first-of-its-kind bill that would dismantle DHS. It is the first time a community has designed a cabinet-level department. The Reimagining Safety Act would:

Establish the Department of Community Safety

Dismantle DHS, preserving CISA, FEMA, TSA, and Customs functions

Abolish ICE and CBP

Reinvest funds in our communities

Limit government surveillance, rein in unlawful abuses of data, and curb militarized enforcement

Begin the process of establishing a separate civil immigration system

“Today, I am proud to announce the Reimagining Safety Act, a community-led roadmap to establish the Department of Community Safety, dismantle DHS, abolish ICE and CBP, and reinvest resources in our communities,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “The Department of Homeland Security was founded out of a profound national trauma. But we cannot add new pains to old ones. We must heal old pain and create new opportunities.”

For more than a year, the communities that Congresswoman Ramirez represents have been targeted, terrorized, and attacked by DHS through its unlawful mass deportation campaign. Those same communities worked to build the Reimagining Safety Act while protecting their neighbors through Know Your Rights campaigns, observer networks, whistles and cell phones, human school buses, and more.

“Building something new, creating in a time of destruction, is a revolutionary act. It is proof of our hope and belief in what is possible even in dark times,” added Ramirez. “The people have the power to reshape our government and to reimagine how we cultivate safety and collective well-being.”

During the announcement, local and national organizations, public officials and community leaders shared the importance of the legislation, highlighted the urgency of the moment, and explained how critical the policy development process was to ensure those closest to the problems are also closest to the solutions.

“Who is this government actually keeping safe? You cannot militarize our neighborhoods, surveil our families, and make people afraid to leave their homes and call that safety. And we cannot separate any of this from the bigger agenda we are witnessing: an agenda that has disproportionately targeted Latino, immigrant, Black and Brown communities, treating the color of our skin, the language we speak, and where we come from as reasons to target us and treat us as if we are less human,” said state IL Representative Norma Hernandez. “The Reimagining Safety Act gives us the opportunity not just to dismantle what has harmed our communities, but to put our vision for something better on paper, one that is rooted in human dignity.”

“ICE today is more than agents at the door. It is an infrastructure of surveillance: government databases, data brokers, technology, and information collected for one purpose and weaponized for another,” said IL State Senator Graciela Guzman. “And that is why we are here today, as Congresswoman Ramirez is stepping up to transform what exists on the other side of a federal system with extraordinary power that right now surveils, detains, and separates families and instead reimagines our collective safety via what we know is good government, providing for our people. Our communities have stepped up for each other. Their government must do the same.”

“For over a year, our Northwest Side Rapid Responders and I have been on the ground responding to ICE agents terrorizing our city. We have witnessed the devastation of parents stolen, elders brutalized, and children left without their caregivers. Despite this harm, DHS has received an increased budget at the expense of our safety nets of Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP,” said Alderperson Jessie Fuentes. “More cuts to our safety nets mean more strain to families barely getting by. We are a community that has always shown solidarity in protecting our neighbors. The Reimagining Community Safety Act is the tool that will keep us safe. Congress must act now.”

“What Trump has unleashed on Illinois, Minnesota, Texas, and elsewhere with ICE and CBP is only a symptom of the ever-increasing power granted to the Department of Homeland Security over the past two decades, “ said Lawrence Benito, Executive Director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. “The proposal announced by Representative Ramirez today shows what is possible when we work together to create something new: we can reimagine collective safety, lift up our communities, and affirm the humanity of all people. This policy is not about tearing something down for the sake of it – this is an opportunity to invest in the things that matter most to all communities, and not continue pouring resources into an agency determined only to separate our families.”

“In the past, the type of policy we are fighting for would have been written off as outlandish, too ‘extreme,’ or simply put, impossible. But today, having lived a decade under unprecedented headline after unprecedented headline, I have seen this administration make the most impossible nightmares, possible. And in the most distorted way, it has strengthened my resolve that if the worst can be possible, we can also dare to dream and to believe that the best can be possible TOO because THAT’s what our communities deserve and it’s on all of us to make THAT our reality,” said Viviana Baraja, Immigration Justice Director at Palenque LSNA.

“As an undocumented person who has lived in the United States for over 26 years, I want to thank Congresswoman Delia Ramirez for creating, in my experience, the first space led by an elected official to truly reimagine safety through a liberatory lens,” said Antonio Gutierrez, Strategic Coordinator at Organized Communities Against Deportations. “This process has been liberating for me, and for the many constituents I represent through our organization. If we are serious about moving beyond “Abolish ICE” as a slogan, the Reimagining Safety Act is an important first step toward building a future where ICE is no longer needed. Today, we are collectively drafting a more just future—and history will remember this moment.”

“Through our work with ICIRR, including with Congresswoman Ramirez, JCUA has helped make Illinois one of the most welcoming states in the nation for immigrants. But we know we must go further. We must dismantle DHS and create a new Department of Community Safety,” said Anna Rubin, Executive Director of Jewish Council on Urban Affairs (JCUA). “We know that our safety is bound up together, that true safety is a multiracial democracy where everyone has what they need to flourish. That is the department Congresswoman Ramirez's bill creates. That is why JCUA stands proudly behind it.”

“Since the creation of DHS, the Muslim community in Chicagoland, and America broadly, has been directly, intensely, and unjustly targeted by the department. DHS' profiling has dissolved any sense of privacy and has sought to silence and remove the Muslim community,” said Jordan Esparza-Kelley, Communications Coordinator at CAIR Chicago. “This legislative effort, led by the Congresswoman, was able to call in directly impacted communities, and reimagine safety and national security from a framework of love, care, and tolerance. Legislation such as the Reimagining Safety Act can change and save lives; it can help us truly be who we say we are as a country.”

“We’ve long witnessed DHS agents target and attack working immigrant families across the country. Warehouse workers make up a large portion of the workforce, and had to face perpetual fear for simply going to work,” said Marcos Ceniceros, Executive Director of Warehouse Workers for Justice. “This is why it was important to develop this legislation rooted in real experiences and community. I want to thank Congresswoman Delia Ramirez for her leadership and commitment to all immigrant working people.”

“ICE kills people and tears families apart. No one is safe when ICE is present, whether in the streets or in one of the agency’s more than 200 abuse-ridden detention centers. Since last summer, Congress has given the Department of Homeland Security $240 billion for mass detention and deportation,” said Stacy Suh, Program Director of Detention Watch Network. “Thank you, Representative Ramirez, for your leadership and for this bold collective vision. People across the country are demanding no more abuse, no more death at the hands of ICE, and no more ICE funding while people lose healthcare, struggle to pay rent, and kids go hungry.”

To watch the full press conference, CLICK HERE.

For photos of the event, CLICK HERE.

Background:

The legislation comes as the last year became DHS’s deadliest year in more than two decades, with 58 people dying in ICE custody since January 2025, especially in for-profit private detention centers with limited oversight. For more than a year, IL-03 has been targeted, terrorized, and attacked by DHS with zero accountability. And over the last 23 years of the Department of Homeland Security, the agency has targeted and criminalized communities, militarized enforcement, and expanded the surveillance state.

Congresswoman Ramirez has led the calls for accountability of DHS and its leadership.",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressional-jewish-caucus-urges-secretary-rubio-preserve-special-envoy,CONGRESSIONAL JEWISH CAUCUS URGES SECRETARY RUBIO TO PRESERVE SPECIAL ENVOY FOR HOLOCAUST ISSUES AS A DISTINCT AND PERMANENT OFFICE,2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Bradley Scott Schneider,S001190,schneider.house.gov,schneider,https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Co-Chairs Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), led the Congressional Jewish Caucus, in calling on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to preserve the office of the Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues (SEHI) as a permanent and distinct entity within the Department of State and not for SEHI to be absorbed under the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism (SEAS). This letter highlights that SEHI is the only office in the federal government solely devoted to pursuing justice for Holocaust survivors and advocating on their behalf, and the need to appoint a career official as the next SEHI, with the seniority, diplomatic experience, and specialized expertise necessary to negotiate complex restitution and compensation matters.

“Since its establishment in 1999, the Office of the Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues has been the only office in the federal government solely devoted to pursuing justice for Holocaust survivors and advocating on their behalf,” the members wrote. “The office has also been supported on a bipartisan basis in Congress and administrations of both parties have actively affirmed its importance. For decades, SEHI has worked with foreign governments, international institutions, and Jewish organizations to pursue restitution and compensation for survivors and their families, recover Nazi-looted property, preserve Holocaust memory, and address unresolved Holocaust-era obligations. As the number of living Holocaust survivors continues to decline, this work is only becoming more urgent.”

“That is why we oppose any effort to consolidate or eliminate SEHI and are troubled by the reported plan for the Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism (SEAS) to absorb the SEHI office. SEHI and SEAS have clearly distinct mandates and responsibilities,” the members continued. “Both are full-time responsibilities that require full-time principals with unique areas of focus and full-time staff with unique expertise. Combining them would not streamline efficiency or eliminate any meaningful duplication; it would risk diminishing the focus, experience, and institutional capacity necessary for each.”

“The SEHI portfolio requires deep institutional knowledge, advanced diplomatic acumen, and sustained relationships with governments and international organizations,” the members added. “We ask that you appoint, as soon as possible, a senior career State Department official whose sole and full-time responsibility is serving as Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues. That official should have the seniority, diplomatic experience, and specialized expertise necessary to negotiate complex restitution and compensation matters and to maintain the relationships that SEHI has built over decades.”

Signers of the letter include Reps. Jake Auchincloss, Becca Balint, Suzanne Bonamici, Steve Cohen, Lois Frankel, Laura Friedman, Dan Goldman, Josh Gottheimer, Sara Jacobs, Greg Landsman, Mike Levin, Jared Moskowitz, Jerrold Nadler, Jamie Raskin, Jan Schakowsky, Brad Schneider, Kim Schrier, Eugene Vindman, and Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

View the full letter here and below.

Dear Secretary Rubio,

As members of the Congressional Jewish Caucus, we write to urge you to immediately appoint a new Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues (SEHI) and to preserve SEHI as a distinct, permanent office led by a dedicated career State Department official.

Since its establishment in 1999, the Office of the Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues has been the only office in the federal government solely devoted to pursuing justice for Holocaust survivors and advocating on their behalf. The office has also been supported on a bipartisan basis in Congress and administrations of both parties have actively affirmed its importance. For decades, SEHI has worked with foreign governments, international institutions, and Jewish organizations to pursue restitution and compensation for survivors and their families, recover Nazi-looted property, preserve Holocaust memory, and address unresolved Holocaust-era obligations. As the number of living Holocaust survivors continues to decline, this work is only becoming more urgent.

That is why we oppose any effort to consolidate or eliminate SEHI and are troubled by the reported plan for the Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism (SEAS) to absorb the SEHI office.

SEHI and SEAS have clearly distinct mandates and responsibilities. SEAS is responsible for confronting contemporary antisemitism around the world, while SEHI focuses on Holocaust-era restitution, historical justice, remembrance, and accountability. These missions are complementary, but they are not interchangeable. Both are full-time responsibilities that require full-time principals with unique areas of focus and full-time staff with unique expertise. Combining them would not streamline efficiency or eliminate any meaningful duplication; it would risk diminishing the focus, experience, and institutional capacity necessary for each.

The effort is also especially troubling given the highly specialized nature of SEHI’s work and the longstanding success of having it led by a career diplomat with the expertise and continuity necessary to conduct sensitive restitution negotiations. The SEHI portfolio requires deep institutional knowledge, advanced diplomatic acumen, and sustained relationships with governments and international organizations. This unique mandate needs an independent office, fully integrated within the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, and without additional or perhaps superseding agenda items both with external interlocutors and internal stakeholders.

Strong institutions must outlast individual officeholders and administrations. We are troubled by the suggestion that the plan to merge these offices may be motivated, at least in part, by a desire to expand the influence of certain personnel within the State Department.

Jewish organizations across the ideological and institutional spectrum have recognized the importance of maintaining a dedicated SEHI. In their letter to you, leading organizations including the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, World Jewish Restitution Organization, American Jewish Committee, Anti-Defamation League, B’nai B’rith International, and more urged you to appoint a senior diplomat promptly and preserve the uniqueness of this important office. Their concern is shared by former SEAS and Holocaust experts who understand that preserving the distinct mission of SEHI is not bureaucratic duplication—it is an essential part of the United States’ commitment to Holocaust survivors and their families.

We urge you to heed their call and to reject any effort to eliminate, consolidate, or dual-hat the SEHI position. Instead, we ask that you appoint, as soon as possible, a senior career State Department official whose sole and full-time responsibility is serving as Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues. That official should have the seniority, diplomatic experience, and specialized expertise necessary to negotiate complex restitution and compensation matters and to maintain the relationships that SEHI has built over decades.

This appointment should be made with urgency. The recent departure of Special Envoy Germain creates a vacancy at precisely the moment when continuity is most important. There are fewer Holocaust survivors with each passing year. Every delay risks losing opportunities for restitution, accountability, and historical preservation that may never return.

The United States created SEHI because Holocaust survivors and their families require a dedicated advocate within our government. That need has not diminished. It has become more urgent. We urge you to put an end to the effort to consolidate these offices and to appoint a new, dedicated, career Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues without delay.",1,2026-09-24T10:30:22Z,2026-09-24T10:31:42Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-hosts-we-cant-afford-this-telephone-town-hall,Duckworth Hosts “We Can’t Afford This” Telephone Town Hall,2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Tonight, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) hosted a telephone town hall to hear firsthand how Illinois families are enduring higher grocery, gas and health care costs. During her “We Can’t Afford This” Telephone Town Hall, Duckworth discussed the devastating consequences that Trump’s Medicaid cuts, tariffs and ongoing illegal war are having on their wallets. She also highlighted her ongoing work to hold the Trump Administration accountable while supporting Illinois families and protecting the essential programs they rely on.

“Grocery bills, energy bills and health care bills are piling up. From Elgin to Romeoville to Chicago, families all across Illinois are telling me the same thing: ‘We can’t afford this,’” said Senator Duckworth. “Donald Trump promised families he would lower costs and protect their wallets, but instead, he has delivered a cratered economy where Illinoisans are getting left behind. Families deserve better, and I’m laser-focused on doing everything I can to lower costs, protect access to health care and hold this Administration accountable. The damage Republicans have done will take more than a repair job—we need a top-to-bottom renovation that puts families first.”

The average Illinois household has paid more than $4,200 in higher costs for everyday essentials under the Trump Administration, including an additional $1,091 on housing costs, $310 for groceries and approximately $654 more in gas costs.

Earlier this month, Duckworth hosted a roundtable discussion with local Quad Cities leaders to discuss how they can address what too many Americans are feeling every day: “We Can’t Afford This.” Over the summer, Duckworth also hosted a telephone town hall and a listening session alongside U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) focusing on the devastating consequences of Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” one year later, including cuts that jeopardize health care, food assistance and economic security for thousands of Illinoisans.

-30-",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-joins-durbin-great-lakes-senators-in-demanding-answers-on-trump-administrations-repeated-pauses-of-the-brandon-road-project,"Duckworth Joins Durbin, Great Lakes Senators in Demanding Answers on Trump Administration’s Repeated Pauses of the Brandon Road Project",2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL),along with U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), sent a letter to the Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works demanding answers about why the Trump Administration has allowed for two administrative pauses to the Brandon Road Interbasin Project (BRIP) without an adequate justification. While the second administrative pause has been lifted and the project has resumed, these repeated pauses raise concerns about the possibility of future delays and the Trump Administration’s commitment to the project despite the President’s endorsement.

“We write to once again express serious concern about the recent second administrative review and pause of the Brandon Road Interbasin Project,” the lawmakers said. “We request a meeting to discuss the circumstances surrounding the pause and steps the Administration will take to ensure the project is completed as quickly as possible. … This second pause and review—after work on the project already was halted last fall—was put in place without advance notification to the state partners and without clear explanation, putting the completion of the project in jeopardy.”

The lawmakers underscored that any future halts to the BRIP could result in invasive carp entering the Great Lakes and irreparably disrupting the lakes’ ecosystem. In August, juvenile invasive carp were found just 80 miles downstream from Lake Michigan—reflecting the upstream advancement of adult invasive carp.

“While completing the long-delayed BRIP was already an urgent priority, a recent development underscores the urgency. Last month, young invasive carp were found in the Marseilles Pool of the Illinois River, just 80 miles downstream from Lake Michigan. This is the closest to the Great Lakes that young invasive carp have ever been found. It also suggests that a spawning event could have occurred even further north… If invasive carp were to become established in the Great Lakes, they would threaten existing fish populations, permanently damage ecosystems and significantly impair the $7 billion Great Lakes economy,” the lawmakers wrote.

“As we noted in previous letters about this issue, invasive carp already have created significant problems in waterways by outcompeting native species, disrupting habitats, posing recreational hazards and harming both commercial and recreational fishing… The best tool we have to combat this growing environmental threat is the immediate completion of the BRIP,” the lawmakers continued.

The lawmakers concluded their letter by emphasizing President Trump’s public support for the project and further reiterated their request to meet with the Trump Administration to ensure there are no further pauses to BRIP.

“Given President Trump’s clear support for the project, the clear threat posed by the invasive carp and substantial funding and commitment provided by Congress, we urge the Administration to ensure the Brandon Road Interbasin Project moves forward without further interruption,” the lawmakers wrote.

“We look forward to meeting with you to discuss the project’s pauses and the Administration’s plan to keep the project on schedule,” the lawmakers concluded their letter.

A copy of the letter is available on Senator Duckworth’s website and below:

September 22, 2026

Dear Acting Assistant Secretary Forsgren:

In light of a recent discovery that young invasive carp were found just 80 miles downstream from Lake Michigan, we write to once again express serious concern about the recent second administrative review and pause of the Brandon Road Interbasin Project (BRIP). Although this pause was lifted on September 2, the lack of explanation for it raises concerns about this Administration’s commitment to the project and the possibility of future delays. We request a meeting to discuss the circumstances surrounding the pause and steps the Administration will take to ensure the project is completed as quickly as possible.

On July 24, 2026, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued its second stop work order for BRIP, placing the project under administrative review. This second pause and review—after work on the project already was halted last fall—was put in place without advance notification to the state partners and without clear explanation, putting the completion of the project in jeopardy. As a result of these delays, project costs are increasing and contractors have been forced to modify their schedules. Although the project final completion date remains on schedule, these delays continue to put that timeline at risk.

Congress first authorized the BRIP in 2020. In 2022, Congress provided $225 million for the construction of the BRIP, an additional $47 million in 2023, and $28 million more in 2026. Illinois and Michigan, the project’s non-federal sponsors, have invested more than $100 million in the project.

While completing the long-delayed BRIP was already an urgent priority, a recent development underscores the urgency. Last month, young invasive carp were found in the Marseilles Pool of the Illinois River, just 80 miles downstream from Lake Michigan. This is the closest to the Great Lakes that young invasive carp have ever been found. It also suggests that a spawning event could have occurred even further north. According to experts, the presence of the juvenile carp is “a significant step in the invasion process.” If invasive carp were to become established in the Great Lakes, they would threaten existing fish populations, permanently damage ecosystems and significantly impair the $7 billion Great Lakes economy.

As we noted in previous letters about this issue, invasive carp already have created significant problems in waterways by outcompeting native species, disrupting habitats, posing recreational hazards and harming both commercial and recreational fishing. Research has shown that just 10 breeding pairs of invasive carp introduced to the Great Lakes’ ecosystem could bring irreversible damage. The best tool we have to combat this growing environmental threat is the immediate completion of the BRIP.

President Trump has highlighted the importance of stopping the invasive carp, saying “it is sort of a bipartisan thing when you get right down to it's a very expensive thing . . . I looked at the numbers. I said, well, but we have to save Lake Michigan because these fish that they eat everything in their way, including the other fish."" President Trump reiterated that support in a memorandum from May 9, 2025, saying, “My Administration fully supports preventing the spread of invasive carp . . . I am directing my Administration to achieve maximum speed and efficiency at the Federal level . . . This includes supporting the Brandon Road Interbasin Project, through deadline-oriented investments of taxpayer dollars . . .”

Given President Trump’s clear support for the project, the clear threat posed by the invasive carp, and substantial funding and commitment provided by Congress, we urge the Administration to ensure the Brandon Road Interbasin Project moves forward without further interruption. We also urge consistent and transparent communication with the non-federal sponsors in the future in advance of any changes to the project.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter. We look forward to meeting with you to discuss the project’s pauses and the Administration’s plan to keep the project on schedule.

Sincerely,

-30-",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-backs-senator-curtis-call-for-senate-judiciary-committee-investigation-into-donald-trump-jr,Durbin Backs Senator Curtis’ Call For Senate Judiciary Committee Investigation Into Donald Trump Jr.,2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Durbin: “We have enough resources, staff, and talent on a bipartisan basis to call Donald Trump Jr. before the Committee for a deposition, to answer some basic questions about who paid for his wedding ceremony.”

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, again backed Senator John Curtis’ (R-UT) call for the Senate Judiciary Committee to investigate the use of presidential family relationships for private financial benefit, preferential treatment, or access by domestic and foreign interests. Curtis’ letter highlights the serious concerns over the lavish wedding reception provided to the President’s son, Donald Trump Jr., by a Russian oligarch.

“[Senator John Curtis] sent a letter raising a question as to whether there has been a violation of ethical standards at the highest level of our government. Now, John showed real courage in doing this. As a Republican to say anything critical of the Trump Administration is a risk. But he’s been a brave man, and he’s a man of principle. What he called on is for Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa and myself, as [the] Ranking Democratic Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, to have an investigation and hearing [into] Donald Trump Jr.’s recent wedding, where he received lavish gifts from a Russian oligarch close to Vladimir Putin. This sort of thing cannot be allowed to happen without some response from Congress. The Senate Judiciary Committee is the place to start,” said Durbin.

“There are those who argue we only have a few months left in this year. Well, let me tell you something: we’re not overworking ourselves during those few months. We have enough resources and staff and talent on a bipartisan basis to call Donald Trump Jr. before the Committee for a deposition to answer some basic questions about who paid for his wedding ceremony,” Durbin continued.

“Now, in fairness, Senator Curtis also asked the same of Hunter Biden. To be fair to Hunter Biden, who has already responded by saying he’s willing to appear wherever we wish, he has already been subject to a sworn deposition at length and has answered the questions that were propounded to him. But there’s been no such effort made by the Trump family to explain the largesse of gifts being given to members of [the President’s] family, not to mention the $1.4 billion the President was given in [crypto] income in his first year in the second term. These are legitimate questions about corruption,” Durbin continued.

Durbin concluded, “There was a time when both parties would agree that it’s unacceptable for this to happen, regardless of whether the origin is Democratic or Republican. That still applies. Senator Curtis is right. I stand by his request [for the] Senate Judiciary Committee [to] respond to this request for deposition and investigation. We may not be able to finish it this year, but shame on us if we won’t even consider the issue, as timely as it is. It is important that this Senate functions to uphold the ethical standards of our government.”

Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.

-30-",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-denounces-judiciary-committee-republicans-hearing-on-transgender-athletes,Durbin Denounces Judiciary Committee Republicans’ Hearing On Transgender Athletes,2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Senate Republicans and Republican witnesses spent hearing attacking the very existence of trans kids instead of addressing critical issues before the Committee’s jurisdiction

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, denounced today’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on transgender athletes in his opening statement. Durbin noted that he refuses to treat this hearing like a responsible exercise of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s authority. And therefore, he will not ask questions and did not call Democratic witnesses.

Key Quotes:

“If you ask the American people, what are the priority issues you hope Congress will address as soon as possible, the issue of this hearing would not be in the top 10, maybe not the top 20.”

“People are concerned about the cost of living. They are concerned about the ability to pay for the college education of their kids. They are concerned about their utility bills. They are concerned about their grocery bills. They want to know what we are doing about it. The President has dismissed these concerns and said he doesn’t want to talk about affordability.”

“If you ask people where we should be focusing if we want to help children and make sure they are protected, I think they would start off by saying ,‘how are we going to get these damn cellphones out of their hands.’”

“We took this issue on because young people and their families are being exploited today. The social media firms stonewall and try to keep us from doing anything. But we have passed several major bills on a bipartisan basis in this Committee to protect children from the harms of these social media platforms. But for some reason, the bills never move on the floor. And the control of floor traffic is in the hands of the Republican Leader.”

“We had a hearing when I was Chair several years ago, and the hearing invited the CEOs of the major companies. We had the CEOs from Meta, [Discord, X,] TikTok, and Snap… why aren’t those CEOs back again? … it is still a threat to our families and our children. Instead, we are talking about this issue.”

“What Republican Senator Curtis has proposed is that we have a hearing on the lavish wedding gifts given to Donald Trump Jr. at his recent marriage on some island somewhere. The donor of those gifts was a Russian oligarch close to Vladimir Putin.”

“Now the argument that we don’t have time, we are too busy, belies the fact that as soon as we finish this session, which could be as soon as this week, we will be gone for six weeks… Certainly in that period of time, there’s time for a deposition or hearing on this issue of corruption at the highest levels of our government.”

“If Republicans actually wanted to stand up for women in sports, and I do, then they should listen to more than 400 athletes who sent an open letter to the NCAA Board of Governors. Let me read from it: ‘Although trans exclusionary efforts claim to ‘protect women’s sports,’ in reality, they fail to address any of the real, documented threats to women in sports, namely unequal pay, failure to uphold Title IX, rampant sexual abuse and harassment of women and girl athletes, and a lack of equal resources for men’s and women’s teams.’”

“If we are going to have a constructive conversation about women’s sports, then we must demand honesty and compassion. Anything less is a disservice—including categorically treating every trans athlete, no matter their age or level of competition, as a threat to women’s sports.”

“Research from the Trevor Project found that ‘LGBTQ+ young people are too often placed at higher risk for suicide not because of who they are, but as a result of how they are mistreated and stigmatized.’ This Committee should not participate in that marginalization of any children in this country.”

“For these reasons, I refuse to treat this hearing like a responsible exercise of this Committee. I will not ask questions, and the minority did not call any witnesses.”

Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations.

-30-",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-in-senate-judiciary-subcommittee-hearing-on-flock-cameras-we-have-got-to-find-a-way-to-balance-privacy-and-security,Durbin in Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing On Flock Cameras: “We Have Got To Find A Way To Balance Privacy And Security”,2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"In his opening statement in today’s Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism hearing, Durbin spoke about the need to adopt guardrails on Automated License Plate Reader technology to protect Americans’ right to privacy

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered an opening statement in today’s Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism hearing entitled “Always Watching: Flock’s Nationwide AI Surveillance Network.” In his opening remarks, Durbin spoke about the importance of protecting Americans’ right to privacy and underscored the need for meaningful oversight and accountability measures over Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) that have been unjustly used for federal immigration enforcement, to share information across state lines, or to stalk Americans.

Durbin also referenced the story of a witness in today’s hearing, Lindsey Isaacs, who was wrongfully arrested and spent 13 days in jail on eight felony charges for a crime she did not commit. She was jailed after a Flock camera misidentified her car, yet it took seven months for the case against Ms. Isaacs to be thrown out.

Key Quotes:

“For the Flock CEO, obviously they are nervous about being on camera, but I wish they would have joined us today. It would be interesting to hear their explanation.”

“The collection of information and data is what it’s all about these days… Hard to imagine, but that [personal] information is being sold and collected constantly.”

“I support law enforcement… We trust them with keeping us safe in our homes and in our businesses. We also value privacy.”

“We also know that as we look at the information being gathered, this is nothing new. The volume of the undertaking is not new. The state of Illinois has had an ALPR, an Automated License Plate Reader, as part of their state effort to catch people on the tollway who don’t pay their fair share. It’s been around for a long time. It’s been used to locate people that have gone missing, cars connected to crimes, and stolen vehicles.”

“It all sounds good, and then you hear the story of Ms. Isaacs…When the so-called failsafe technology fails, and it certainly did in her case.”

“We have got to find a way to balance, in America, privacy and security. I think there is a balance. Congress needs to lead the way.”

Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available herefor TV Stations.

-30-",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-shares-153rd-dreamer-story-on-the-senate-floor,Durbin Shares 153rd Dreamer Story On The Senate Floor,2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Durbin: “I may be leaving the Senate in a few months, but I am not leaving this fight [for Dreamers].”

WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, shared his 153rd Dreamer story. During his time in Congress, Durbin has continuously shared stories of Dreamers—young people who have lived in America since they were children, built their lives here, and are American in every way except for their immigration status. Under current law, there is no pathway to citizenship for Dreamers.

“For 25 years, I have come to the Senate floor with a simple request—for Congress to protect children who know no other home than the United States of America. I first made this request after I heard from a constituent—a young high school graduate in Chicago and a brilliant piano prodigy. She was brought to the United States when she was only two years old and didn’t know how to fill out her college applications because of her undocumented status. I couldn’t believe our nation had no path to citizenship for young people like her, so I introduced a bill to change that,” said Durbin.

Durbin has introduced the Dream Act every Congress since 2001. The Dream Act is bipartisan legislation that would allow noncitizens without lawful status who were brought to the United States as children and meet certain education, military service, or work requirements to earn lawful permanent residence. This Congress, Durbin introduced the bill with U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).

“I have pushed for this legislation to make them [Dreamers] legal in the eyes of the law—to be included in bipartisan legislation like the 2013 ‘Gang of Eight’ immigration bill, which passed the Senate with 68 votes. Over the years, the Dream Act passed the Senate, and it has passed the House of Representatives, but never at the same time so that we could send it to the President’s desk to be signed into law. As I near the end of my time in the Senate, Congress continues to fail these young people who are American in every sense of the word—not just to me, but to the vast majority of the country… In fact, 81 percent of Americans support citizenship for Dreamers, including 56 percent of Republicans,” Durbin continued.

In 2010, Durbin sent a letter, joined by the late Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN), asking then-President Obama to stop the deportation of Dreamers. Fourteen years ago, President Obama responded by announcing the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. More than 830,000 Dreamers have since come forward and received DACA, which has allowed them to contribute more fully to their country as teachers, nurses, doctors, engineers, and small business owners.

Durbin then spoke about Karen Montes Gaga—the 153rd Dreamer story he has told on the Senate floor. Karen arrived in Seattle from Mexico when she was just three years old and has been part of the DACA program since 2012. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in education. She also received her master’s in education curriculum and instruction.

“Karen has now been a proud elementary school teacher for almost a decade. She serves on her school’s leadership team and has been nominated twice for its Teacher of the Year award. As a DACA recipient, Karen is responsible for renewing her work permit every two years. But there is a problem. This year, she filed in a timely manner and expected her most recent renewal to be like every other one for the last 14 years. But this renewal process was different—the Trump Administration failed to process her DACA renewal on time, even though she filed months in advance. As a result, Karen’s work permit expired, and she was forced to leave behind her classroom and abandon her students in the middle of the academic year, for months at a time,” said Durbin.

“In a world of rising costs and inflation, losing a single paycheck could be the difference in keeping a roof over your head and food on the table. But you know what Karen was most worried about? Her 27 students that she had to leave behind,” said Durbin. “That [her students] are who this Administration and Republicans are failing. A teacher who is committed to instilling strong values and work ethic into her students and whose heart was broken when she could not. To my Republican colleagues, I ask you: if you went out looking for the ‘worst of the worst,’ would you choose Karen? If you want to remove from the United States rapist, murders, terrorists, child predators, would you identify Karen as one of those people? Of course not.”

Durbin concluded, “There is still time to help Dreamers in the final months of the 119th Congress. To all my Republican colleagues, please join me and Senator Murkowski in standing up for these young people who epitomize the true meaning of the American Dream. Stand up for Karen; stand up for her students; stand up for what is right. I may be leaving the Senate in a few months, but I am not leaving this fight.”

Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available herefor TV Stations.

-30-",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-calls-ban-ndas-between-data-center-developers-and-government,Krishnamoorthi Calls for Ban on NDAs Between Data Center Developers and Government Officials and Agencies at Any Level,2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Raja Krishnamoorthi,K000391,krishnamoorthi.house.gov,krishnamoorthi,https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"SCHAUMBURG, IL — Today, Congressman Krishnamoorthi, a senior member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, issued the following statement on government transparency and data center development:

“Americans have a right to know how data center projects affect their communities, and that is why we need to ban non-disclosure agreements between data center developers and government officials or agencies. These agreements have shrouded critical information from the public, including water and electricity use, infrastructure demands, and taxpayer-funded incentives. Communities deserve this information before decisions are made, not after the fact. We cannot allow secrecy agreements to keep the public in the dark about projects with such significant local impacts.”

According to NPR, data center projects across the country have been subject to non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that restrict the disclosure of information about proposed developments. These agreements between developers and government officials or entities have drawn criticism from residents seeking greater transparency into projects that could affect their communities.",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-presses-ai-experts-extinction-risk-china-chip-loopholes-and,"Krishnamoorthi Presses AI Experts on Extinction Risk, China Chip Loopholes, and Data Center Secrecy",2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Raja Krishnamoorthi,K000391,krishnamoorthi.house.gov,krishnamoorthi,https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today pressed artificial intelligence and national security experts on catastrophic AI risks, gaps in U.S. export controls governing Chinese access to American computing power, and secretive data center deals that leave communities in the dark.

During a Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Democratic shadow hearing, Krishnamoorthi asked Dr. Geoffrey Hinton whether his 2024 estimate of a 10 to 20 percent chance that AI could lead to human extinction within three decades had increased as AI capabilities advanced. Hinton said his “gut instinct is still between 10 and 20%.”

He also cited CNN reporting that an AI chatbot helped produce a false intelligence assessment claiming a Chinese ship was carrying nuclear cargo, an incident a source said “almost started a war.”

Turning to export controls, Krishnamoorthi questioned retired Lieutenant General Jack Shanahan about reports that DeepSeek trained a recent AI model on Nvidia’s Blackwell chips despite U.S. restrictions, and that Chinese AI companies have accessed restricted chips remotely through data centers in Southeast Asia. He urged Congress to adopt the AI Overwatch Act, which would reinstate Biden-era export controls on advanced chips, and the REMOTE Access Security Act, which would regulate foreign access to cloud compute.

“The president professes to want us to win the AI competition with China, but he's currently loosening our regulations with regard to export controls instead of tightening them.”

On data centers, Krishnamoorthi pressed EqualAI President and CEO Miriam Vogel on the use of non-disclosure agreements in data center development. He cited NPR reporting that 25 of 31 projects examined involved NDAs, including a nearly $4 billion Louisiana development where the environmental impact study was kept secret and residents did not learn what was happening until construction had already begun.

“Communities shouldn't have to fight for the truth about what's coming. And I believe we must prohibit non-disclosure agreements going forward with the construction of data centers.”",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-accepts-ukrainian-order-merit-president-zelenskyy,Quigley Accepts Ukrainian Order of Merit from President Zelenskyy,2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Mike Quigley,Q000023,quigley.house.gov,quigley,https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Chicago Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, received the Ukrainian Order of Merit, Second Class, from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations in Manhattan. Zelenskyy selected Quigley for the award in August of 2025 for “a significant personal contribution to strengthening interstate cooperation, supporting the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, charitable activities, and popularizing the Ukrainian state in the world.” After the presentation of the medal, Quigley released the following statement:

“I was honored to receive the Order of Merit from President Zelenskyy today. I have had the pleasure of meeting with Ukrainians and Ukrainian Americans for many years who have displayed incredible resilience and devotion to a democratic Ukraine. That dedication, Ukraine's critical role in Europe, and the importance of defending free nations everywhere have inspired my work to protect Ukraine's sovereignty and self-determination.

“As I have long said, Ukraine is on the front line of the fight to save democracy worldwide. The freedoms and values they are fighting for today are the same ones we defended in World War II. Despite nearly five years of relentless attacks by the Russian military and the horrific acts committed in previously occupied areas, Ukrainians have persevered. If Ukraine falls, other nations will follow. They deserve the unwavering support of the United States and all NATO member nations.

“Receiving this award and meeting with President Zelenskyy has strengthened my resolve to continue standing with the people of Ukraine. Slava Ukraini.”",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-questions-witnesses-in-senate-judiciary-subcommittee-hearing-on-flock-cameras-and-protecting-americans-right-to-privacy,Durbin Questions Witnesses In Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing On Flock Cameras & Protecting Americans’ Right To Privacy,2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses during a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism hearing entitled “Always Watching: Flock’s Nationwide AI Surveillance Network.” Today’s hearing examined the importance of protecting Americans’ right to privacy and underscored the need for meaningful oversight and accountability measures over Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs), including Flock cameras, that have been unjustly used for federal immigration enforcement, to share information across state lines, or to stalk Americans.

Durbin began his questioning by asking Chad Marlow, senior policy counsel for ACLU, about how data collected by Flock cameras could be used during the Trump Administration’s cruel mass deportation campaign.

“We are concerned in Illinois with Operation Midway Blitz, where ICE and the Department of Homeland Security came into our state and started looking for people to deport… It turned out that the majority of people they were deporting were not committing any crimes. Our state passed a law which limits law enforcement from using Flock data for immigration purposes. Have you heard of such laws in other states?” Durbin asked Mr. Marlow.

Mr. Marlow explained that while some states have laws limiting the use of Flock data for immigration purposes, federal law supersedes those laws. As a result, if a federal agency were to present a judicial warrant or administrative subpoena, any state would be required to comply. Further, one actor within a state government who has access to a data-sharing database could easily search and release information on someone else’s behalf.

Durbin then asked Alasdair Whitney, legislative counsel for the Institute for Justice, about how warrants could prevent federal agencies from unconstitutionally obtaining information through the use of Flock cameras.

“Mr. Whitney, I heard your testimony, saying the answer is a warrant. A warrant is certainly recognized under our Constitution as a valid use of government power and authority if used properly. Is that the problem here, that they collect the information before there is any specific allegation that wrongdoing has taken place?” Durbin asked.

Mr. Whitney noted that the data collection itself is a problem, but further, unlimited access to people’s personal data is even more of a concern. Mr. Whitney asserted that the Constitution lays out what an unlawful search and seizure looks like, and even with modern technology, a warrant must be obtained in order to access data collected by Flock cameras.

Durbin asked Sherriff Ross Teeple of Pinal County, Arizona, about his decision to end his department’s contract with Flock cameras after initially supporting the technology as it had supported the department in resolving Silver Alerts, an emergency public notification system used by law enforcement to locate missing and endangered older adults or individuals with cognitive impairments.

“Sheriff Teeple, what was the breaking point for you? You used this information and then decided there was too much of a violation of the Fourth Amendment. Where did you break with the precedent that had been set before you?” Durbin asked.

Sheriff Teeple explained that his own community members raised privacy concerns about Flock cameras. When Sheriff Teeple brought these questions and concerns to Flock, he was stonewalled and received little information that alleviated his constituents’ concerns. Specifically, Flock inaccurately told Sherriff Teeple that their cameras didn’t capture photos well enough to recognize a person. However, Sherriff Teeple, using his own department’s database, was easily able to identify people in images captured by Flock cameras. After Flock failed to provide Sherriff Teeple with suitable answers to his concerns, he cancelled the department’s contract with the company.

Durbin replied to Sherriff Teeple: “Thank you for raising that point because it is not a matter of just reading license plates. That seems so routine, but it comes to the point where you can identify and recognize the people in the car. You can imagine in a state like Illinois, and in your state as well, the Hispanic population views this as a threat to their existence, where they can be pulled over for driving while looking Hispanic. Unfortunately, we have seen too many instances where people with no criminal records, American citizens, are removed from their homes, arrested, and deported. It is just the kind of thing that is hard, if not impossible, to explain.”

Durbin concluded his questioning by asking Lindsey Isaacs about her experience being wrongfully arrested and spending 13 days in jail on eight felony charges for a crime she did not commit. She was arrested on accounts of vehicular homicide after a Flock camera misidentified her vehicle in a fatal October 2025 crash. It took seven months for the faulty charges to be dropped.

“When I listen to your description of your experience, the thing that struck me was that the law enforcement agency involved had tangible evidence in your car that could be viewed [that would prove you were not responsible for the accident]. Did you take a look at it later and see the damage they were referring to?” Durbin asked Ms. Isaacs.

Ms. Isaacs explained that her car was brand new and had no damage that would indicate she was involved in a vehicular homicide.

“If the notion here is to gather accurate information so we don’t make the mistake that led up to your incarceration, there was a failure here. A complete failure and misuse of the information. I’m sorry for what you went through, and thanks for your courage in testifying,” Durbin concluded.

Video of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s question in Committee is available here for TV stations.

-30-",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/el-representante-garcia-se-une-a-mas-de-70-legisladores-de-las-americas-para-exigir-el-fin-de-los-ataques-a-embarcaciones-y-las-ejecuciones-extrajudiciales-por-parte-de-eeuu,El Representante García se une a más de 70 legisladores de las Américas para exigir el fin de los ataques a embarcaciones y las ejecuciones extrajudiciales por parte de EE.UU.,2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,"Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García",G000586,chuygarcia.house.gov,chuygarcia,https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — En una acción interparlamentaria conjunta sin precedentes que reúne a más de 70 legisladores de 13 países de las Américas, incluyendo los Estados Unidos, y Puerto Rico, el Representante Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), junto con los Representantes Andre Carson (IN-07), Greg Casar (TX-35), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Summer Lee (PA-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), y Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) emitieron una declaración exigiendo el cese inmediato de los ataques del gobierno de Estados Unidos contra embarcaciones en el mar Caribe y el Pacífico Oriental, los cuales han provocado al menos 234 ejecuciones extrajudiciales. Asimismo, los firmantes reclaman justicia para las víctimas de estos ataques e instan a los demás gobiernos de la región a abstenerse de facilitar acciones que, según expertos jurídicos, organizaciones de derechos humanos y miembros —actuales y retirados— de las fuerzas armadas de Estados Unidos, constituyen violaciones del derecho internacional.

Los legisladores señalan que el propio gobierno estadounidense ha determinado que estas operaciones no han reducido significativamente el flujo de cocaína hacia el país. Destacan que el derecho a la vida y al debido proceso, así como las garantías frente al uso arbitrario de la fuerza, son principios fundamentales del Estado de derecho democrático. Advierten que las acusaciones de narcotráfico, por graves que sean, no anulan ni prevalecen sobre estas protecciones. Ante el anuncio de la administración Trump de continuar con estas operaciones y extenderlas a objetivos terrestres, los legisladores manifiestan su compromiso de utilizar sus “facultades legislativas y de fiscalización para promover la transparencia y la rendición de cuentas en torno a estas ejecuciones extrajudiciales”.

La declaración completa y la lista de firmantes están disponibles en este enlace.

""Donald Trump está lanzando bombas en el Caribe y el Pacífico en flagrante violación de la ley y de los derechos humanos fundamentales"", afirmó el congresista Jesús ""Chuy"" García. ""Esto no ha servido para detener el tráfico de drogas ni para aumentar la seguridad de los estadounidenses. Por el contrario, ha dejado cientos de muertos, familias destrozadas y comunidades sumidas en el miedo. Llamemos a estos ataques por su nombre: ejecuciones extrajudiciales ilegales. Me enorgullece unirme a legisladores de todo el hemisferio para oponerme a estos graves crímenes"".

""Ante el silencio institucional y la censura gubernamental en Ecuador, esta coalición de parlamentarios de toda América Latina es fundamental para romper el secretismo que rodea a las operaciones encubiertas en nuestras aguas"", señaló María Verónica Iñiguez Gallardo, miembro de la Asamblea Nacional de Ecuador. ""Esta declaración transnacional representa un paso decisivo hacia la rendición de cuentas y la transparencia para nuestros pueblos"".

“Estados Unidos debe poner fin a sus ataques en el Caribe y el Pacífico’, declaró Iván Cepeda Castro, senador de Colombia. “La lucha contra el narcotráfico no puede justificar el sacrificio de vidas humanas ni la vulneración del derecho internacional. América Latina y el Caribe deben actuar unidos para defender nuestra soberanía y el derecho de nuestra región a la paz, libre de las pretensiones de dominación hemisférica de cualquier potencia”.

“La campaña de bombardeos de Donald Trump en el Caribe y el Pacífico es a la vez criminal y cruel, y no ha contribuido en nada a hacer nuestra región más segura”, afirmó Don Davies, miembro de la Cámara de los Comunes de Canadá. “Los canadienses sabemos lo que significa ver nuestra soberanía amenazada por nuestro vecino del sur. Por ello, me solidarizo con los pueblos de todo el hemisferio en el rechazo a estas ejecuciones ilegales”.

Esta declaración ha sido apoyada por los siguientes grupos: Latin America Working Group (LAWG), Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC), Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR), Colombia Acuerdo de Paz NGO, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, Alianza Americas, Witness at the Border, Minnesota Cuba Committee, The United Methodist Church – General Board of Church and Society, Center for Engagement and Advocacy in the Americas (CEDA), Mennonite Central Committee U.S., MADRE, Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, ImPact Coalition on Strengthening International Judicial Institutions, Andean Information Network.

# # #",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-garcia-joins-more-than-70-lawmakers-across-the-americas-urging-an-end-to-us-boat-strikes-and-extrajudicial-killings,Rep. García Joins More Than 70 Lawmakers Across the Americas Urging an End to U.S. Boat Strikes and Extrajudicial Killings,2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,"Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García",G000586,chuygarcia.house.gov,chuygarcia,https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — In the first joint interparliamentary action of its kind, bringing together more than 70 legislators from 13 countries across the Americas, including the United States, and Puerto Rico, Representatives Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), André Carson (IN-07), Greg Casar (TX-35), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Summer Lee (PA-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) issued a statement calling for an immediate end to the United States government’s attacks on vessels in the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific, which have resulted in at least 234 extrajudicial killings. In addition, the signatories call for justice for the victims of the strikes and urge all other governments of the region to refrain from facilitating what amounts to violations of international law according to legal experts, human rights organizations, and current and former members of the United States armed forces.

The legislators note that the U.S. government itself has determined that these operations have not significantly reduced the flow of cocaine into the country. They note that the rights to life and due process, as well as guarantees against the arbitrary use of force, are fundamental principles of the democratic rule of law. They warn that accusations of drug trafficking, however serious, do not circumvent or override these protections. With the Trump administration having signaled that it plans on continuing these operations and extending them to land-based targets, the legislators announce their commitment to using their “legislative and oversight authorities to promote transparency and accountability surrounding these extrajudicial killings.”

The full statement and the list of signatories are available here.

“Donald Trump is dropping bombs across the Caribbean and Pacific in blatant violation of the law and of fundamental human rights,” said U.S. Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García. ""This has done nothing to stop the flow of drugs or to make Americans safer. Instead, it has left hundreds dead, families devastated, and communities in fear. Let us call these attacks what they are: illegal extrajudicial killings. I’m proud to stand with legislators from across the hemisphere in opposing these grave crimes.”

“In the face of institutional silence and government censorship in Ecuador, this coalition of parliamentarians across the Americas is essential to break the secrecy surrounding covert operations in our waters,” said María Verónica Iñiguez Gallardo, Member of the National Assembly of Ecuador. “This transnational statement is a decisive step toward accountability and transparency for our peoples.”

“The United States must end its attacks in the Caribbean and Pacific,” said Iván Cepeda Castro, Senator from Colombia. “Combating drug trafficking cannot justify sacrificing human life and overriding international law. Latin America and the Caribbean must act together to defend our sovereignty and our region’s right to peace, free from any power’s claim to hemispheric domination.”

“Donald Trump’s bombing campaign in the Caribbean and Pacific is both criminal and cruel, and it has done nothing to make our region safer,” said Don Davies, Member of the House of Commons of Canada. “Canadians understand what it means to have our sovereignty threatened by our neighbor to the South. That’s why I stand in solidarity with people across the hemisphere in opposing these lawless killings.”

The statement has been endorsed by the following organizations: Latin America Working Group (LAWG), Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC), Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR), Colombia Acuerdo de Paz NGO, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, Alianza Americas, Witness at the Border, Minnesota Cuba Committee, The United Methodist Church – General Board of Church and Society, Center for Engagement and Advocacy in the Americas (CEDA), Mennonite Central Committee U.S., MADRE, Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, ImPact Coalition on Strengthening International Judicial Institutions, Andean Information Network.

# # #",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-at-center-for-american-progress-by-praising-xi-trump-is-leaving-american-consumers-and-our-indo-pacific-partners-behind,"Duckworth at Center for American Progress: “By Praising Xi, Trump is Leaving American Consumers and Our Indo-Pacific Partners Behind”",2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Just two days ahead of President Donald Trump’s meeting with President of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Xi Jinping at the White House, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) outlined the stakes of this Trump-Xi summit and the impact it will have on our national security, our economy and our partners in the Indo-Pacific region. At the Center for American Progress (CAP), Duckworth shared her firsthand takeaways from her official trips this year to Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines and Singapore where top government, defense and economic leaders told her how Trump’s reckless trade wars and defense policies are hurting them, leaving them feeling left behind as Trump embraces President Xi, who continues to engage in economic coercion and aggression. Full video of the event can be found on CAP’s YouTube and photos from the event can be found on the Senator’s website.

“President Trump is fundamentally unable to manage the United States’ relationship with the People’s Republic of China,” said Senator Duckworth, a member of both the U.S. Senate Committees on Foreign Relations (SFRC) and Armed Services (SASC). “A successful bilateral relationship doesn’t look like chaotic tariffs, leaving American farmers devastated, throwing our allies under the bus to cozy up to dictators and creating more challenges for Americans. It looks like protecting Americans from economic coercion and instability, finalizing real commitments on AI, protecting human rights and maintaining our advantages in the areas that matter the most while building our national security—not sacrificing all of these, which Trump continues to do.”

During the event, Duckworth underscored the importance of being a reliable partner to our friends in the Indo-Pacific who are facing PRC coercion, emphasizing the need to secure our supply chains and protect American consumers. She pointed to the President’s reckless tariffs and illegal war as examples of how supply chain insecurity can impact our economy. The Senator also stressed that regional leaders have continued to innovate and drive forward the conversation on emerging issues, and it’s critical for the U.S. to engage with our partners and strategize to address these problems jointly.

Duckworth continues to be a proven leader when it comes to strengthening our relations with Indo-Pacific nations. She was the first U.S. Senator to visit Taiwan after the disastrous Trump-Xi summit where Donald Trump kowtowed to PRC President Xi and waffled on delivering a critical bipartisan arms package to Taiwan. Upon her arrival, Duckworth penned an op-ed underscoring that the United States’ commitment to Taiwan is steadfast—regardless of who is in the White House. The Senator also highlighted numerous ways she is working to strengthen their partnership and security in the Indo-Pacific region, including through her bipartisan Strategy for Crisis Management Act and South China Sea Strategy Act that both recently passed committee and now await a full Senate vote.

The Senator’s Strategy for Crisis Management Act was one of several provisions she secured in this year’s committee-passed NDAA to enhance our readiness and coordination with partners in the Indo-Pacific region. This provision would help deescalate consequential crises short of war in the South China Sea. Among Duckworth’s other wins are provisions that would drive cooperation with Indo-Pacific allies and partners on asymmetric operations and improve medical preparedness and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

In addition, Duckworth’s Indo-Pacific Medical Readiness program—a program she championed in the FY2025 NDAA and continues to implement through provisions in this year’s NDAA—will help ensure our nation’s servicemembers as well as their families have access to quality patient care throughout the Indo-Pacific region, where they often must travel long distances to receive care.

-30-",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-calls-on-president-trump-to-push-for-release-of-chinese-political-prisoners-during-meetings-with-president-xi-jinping-this-week,Durbin Calls On President Trump To Push For Release Of Chinese Political Prisoners During Meetings With President Xi Jinping This Week,2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"In his speech on the Senate floor, Durbin called for the release of Dr. Gulshan Abbas, Jimmy Lai, Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, and Ekpar Asat

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today delivered a speech on the Senate floor advocating for the release of several Chinese political prisoners ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the United States this week. Specifically, Durbin called for the release of Dr. Gulshan Abbas, who was reportedly imprisoned as retaliation for her family’s public criticism of the Chinese government’s treatment of Uyghurs; Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai; Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, who were imprisoned for serving as church leaders; and Ekpar Asat, a Uyghur entrepreneur.

Beginning his remarks, Durbin noted the tension between the U.S. and Chinese governments, but he spoke about the need for both nations’ leaders to discuss the evolution of AI, nuclear proliferation, and global economic stability.

“The meeting between the leaders of our two countries is important and timely. Both nations have a great deal to discuss, including areas of shared concern and disagreement,” Durbin began.

“Our nations have many areas of shared concern, including the dangers of AI, North Korea’s pursuit of nuclear weapons, climate change and energy supplies, global economic stability, and reduced tensions in and around the South Pacific,” Durbin said. “We undoubtedly have points of continued disagreement on issues such as the future of Taiwan, Chinese harassment of allies, the war in Ukraine, economic espionage, and stemming fentanyl precursors from being exported by China, and of course, basic political freedoms and human rights.”

In May, the Senate unanimously passed Durbin’s bipartisan resolution calling for the release of several political prisoners in China, including Pastor Ezra Jin.

“Not long after [Durbin’s resolution was passed], and with the assistance of President Trump, Pastor Ezra Jin was released after 266 days in a Chinese prison for the ‘crime’ of operating a church. I had the pleasure of hosting Pastor Jin and his daughter Grace, who was tireless in her effort to plead for her father’s case. They came to the Capitol after his release for a moving discussion and meeting. The pastor reminded me that at least eight of his congregants remain imprisoned,” Durbin said.

“I welcomed President Xi’s release of Pastor Jin and call on him to similarly release these remaining congregants,” Durbin continued.

Durbin concluded his remarks, again calling for the release of Dr. Gulshan Abbas, Jimmy Lai, Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, and Epkar Asat.

“President Trump has a chance to secure the release of these detainees who have already suffered so much, and I hope he will similarly make this request of Xi during his visit. Such a move by Xi would be a most welcome gesture—particularly since there is no reason to fear these people who have done nothing but exercise peaceful freedom of religion and expression,” Durbin said.

“And to those still detained—and their heartbroken families—I want to remind them that they are not forgotten,” Durbin concluded his remarks.

Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.

-30-",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-sounds-the-alarm-on-trumps-attacks-on-a-free-and-open-press,Durbin Sounds The Alarm On Trump’s Attacks On A Free & Open Press,2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Durbin: “President Trump has done more to undermine, belittle, and attack the free and open press than any President in modern history.”

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today called out President Trump banning CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from White House grounds because of his personal disagreements with their coverage. The three news outlets have filed a First Amendment lawsuit to restore their access.

“If a person walks the halls of the United States Capitol, there is a pretty good chance that you will bump into a reporter. They are seemingly around every corner, with their phones out, ready to ask your opinion on a recent statement or the news of the day. Those of us who serve in this chamber have become used to their presence—and their many, many questions,” Durbin said. “While we may bristle when they press us, we know that these journalists serve an indispensable purpose: they shine a light on the Senate, and they keep the American people informed about their government. The work these reporters perform is a great service to our nation—one that deserves our thanks.”

Durbin continued, “Yet you won’t hear that kind of gratitude coming out of the Trump White House. Since President Trump returned to the Oval Office, he has done more to undermine, belittle, and attack the free and open press than any President in modern history.”

Durbin noted that last year, after the Associated Press refused to use the President’s preferred name for the Gulf of Mexico, he barred the organization from the Oval Office and Air Force One. At the same time, President Trump launched an unprecedented number of baseless defamation suits against respected news outlets for their factual reporting on his failed businesses, relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and his role in the January 6, 2021, insurrection.

“This ban is unconstitutional retaliation for factual reporting. It is something you would expect to read about in the communist Russia days… or perhaps in North Korea, but not in the United States,” Durbin said. “This assault on the press is a dangerous effort by the President to distract American public opinion from his failed agenda. His endless Iranian War, his self-defeating tariffs—Trump has broken countless promises made during his campaign for President.”

Durbin continued, “Chastising CNN won’t lower the price of diesel fuel. Punishing Politico won’t end the Iranian War. And maligning MS NOW won’t save the President’s free-falling approval ratings. Yet the President seems determined to double down on his assault on the First Amendment. Yesterday, the White House announced the creation of ‘Trump TV,’ a news channel designed to spread propaganda from the Trump White House.”

Durbin concluded, “I would have thought the creation of a state-run media platform to serve as the President’s megaphone would have generated some sort of response, some sort of outcry from my Republican colleagues who condemn communism and authoritarianism. But they are afraid to say a word lest this press operation of President Trump turn on them. I urge all my colleagues to speak out against this ban and the President’s continued assault on free press. The future of our democracy demands standing up for the Constitution, even if the President won’t.”

Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.

-30-",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-call-for-senate-judiciary-committee-investigation-into-donald-trump-jr,Durbin Statement On Call for Senate Judiciary Committee Investigation Into Donald Trump Jr.,2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement regarding U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT) calling for the Senate Judiciary Committee to investigate the use of presidential family relationships for private financial benefit, preferential treatment, or access by domestic and foreign interests:

“Corruption at the highest levels of our government should never be tolerated. Senator Curtis has made a good faith request that the Senate Judiciary Committee investigate the lavish gift of a Russian oligarch to President Trump’s son as well as any wrongdoing by the son of former President Biden.

“In fairness, Hunter Biden has already given a sworn deposition to Congress on this issue of corrupt activity. Donald Trump Jr. has not. For the Committee to ignore this matter is to run the risk of being complicit in a coverup. I will join in supporting Senator Curtis’ request of the Senate Judiciary Committee.”

-30-",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-young-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-children-from-lead-poisoning,"Durbin, Young Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Protect Children From Lead Poisoning",2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"The Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act would require the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to update its lead poisoning prevention measures

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-IN) today reintroduced the Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act, which would require the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to update its lead poisoning prevention measures to reflect modern science and ensure that families and children living in federally-assisted housing are protected from the devastating consequences of lead poisoning.

“Children should not be at risk from lead poisoning in their own home. We have to do more to address this health hazard before it harms more kids,” Durbin said. “Senator Young and I are leading the push to reform outdated federal housing standards and put additional prevention measures in place. There is nothing more important than the health and safety of our children.”

“All children deserve the opportunity to grow up without the fear of harmful toxins in their home, but sadly lead exposure continues to be an ongoing problem for millions of children with devastating long-term effects. The Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act will help ensure the health and safety of our children by improving federal lead poisoning detection and prevention measures,” said Young.

Lead hazards in a home pose serious health and safety threats. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lead hazards such as dust and chips from deteriorated lead-based paint are the most common source of lead exposure for U.S. children. A 2021 survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) found that lead-based paint is in 34.6 million U.S. homes, 89 percent of which were built before 1978––the year lead-based paint use in housing was banned in the United States. While the available science for detecting and remediating lead hazards in a home has evolved significantly in the last two decades, federal laws and regulations continue to lag far behind, leaving vulnerable Americans—of whom a disproportionate amount are minorities—at the risk of being exposed to lead before any intervention is triggered. Left unaddressed, lead poisoning can cause long-term and irreversible health, neurological, and behavioral problems in children. Most importantly, lead poisoning prevention preserves a child’s ability to reach their full potential.

Under HUD’s current lead hazard regulations, visual assessments are used to identify the presence of lead in a housing unit. However, while visual assessments—which usually entail identifying chipped and peeling paint—can show signs of lead hazards, modern scientific research has proven that such assessments are profoundly inadequate for identifying the most common sources of lead paint in a home: in intact painted surfaces such as window sashes and windowsills. In order to comprehensively determine the presence of lead and adequately protect children from lead poisoning, HUD’s policy must shift from identification and management to primary prevention.

Specifically, the Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act would ensure that families and children living in federally assisted housing are protected from the devastating consequences of lead poisoning by adopting primary prevention measures to protect children in low-income housing, including:

Prohibiting the use of visual assessments for low-income housing constructed prior to 1978 and require the use of risk assessments, a more accurate evaluation tool to identify lead hazards, before a family moves into the home;

Providing a process for families to relocate on an emergency basis, without penalty or the loss of assistance, if a lead hazard is identified in the home and the landlord fails to control the hazard within 30 days of being notified of the presence of lead; and

Requiring landlords to disclose the presence of lead if lead hazards are found in the home.

Today’s legislation is available here.

-30-",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-leads-bipartisan-group-of-senators-in-demanding-the-trump-administration-to-extend-and-redesignate-tps-for-ukrainians,Duckworth Leads Bipartisan Group of Senators in Demanding the Trump Administration to Extend and Redesignate TPS for Ukrainians,2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC)— led a bipartisan group of 30 Senate colleagues in calling on the Trump Administration to issue an 18-month extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukrainians living in the United States as Vladimir Putin continues his unjustified war of aggression against their homeland. In their letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Senators underscored how a failure to extend TPS ahead of its expiration next month would send thousands of Ukrainians back into a war zone that has resulted in significant civilian casualties, infrastructure damage and displacement.

“Current conditions in Ukraine clearly merit the continuation of TPS status. The ongoing war has caused a humanitarian crisis and damage to critical civilian infrastructure has left many with limited or no access to heat, electricity or medical services. Ukrainian nationals cannot safely return at this time, and allowing TPS to terminate on October 19, 2026, would risk sending more than one hundred thousand individuals back to an active war zone,” wrote the Senators.

Ukrainian TPS holders have long contributed to communities in Illinois, and across the country, both culturally and economically. The Senators noted that allowing an 18-month extension of the TPS would prevent these community members from being forced to return to dangerous conditions, while allowing the communities that benefit from their contributions to continue to benefit and learn from them.

Along with Duckworth, the letter is co-signed by U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Patty Murray (D-WA), Gary Peters (D- MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Full text of the letter is available on Senator Duckworth’s website and below:

We strongly urge you to issue an 18-month extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukraine prior to the impending October 19, 2026, termination date. Ukraine is currently in the fifth year of a large-scale war with Russia, which has led to ongoing civilian casualties, significant damage to critical infrastructure and the displacement of broad swaths of the population. An extension of TPS for Ukraine would protect current TPS beneficiaries from being forced to return to an active war zone, while a redesignation would expand those protections to the population of Ukrainian nationals who arrived after October 20, 2023.

Ukraine was initially designated for TPS on April 19, 2022, on the basis of ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions caused by Russia’s military actions within the country. In its designation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the U.S. Department of State, cited regular artillery attacks and airstrikes by Russia’s military forces, serious human rights abuses and the widespread destruction of critical infrastructure. Subsequent reviews of in-country conditions found that the situation in the country had not sufficiently improved; accordingly, TPS for Ukraine was extended and redesignated through April 19, 2025, and extended once more beginning on April 20, 2025.

The war in Ukraine—the largest conventional military action in Europe since World War II—is ongoing, as are the same extraordinary and temporary conditions that warrant the continued protection of Ukrainian nationals currently residing in the United States. International observers report a trend of steadily increasing civilian casualties from year to year, with approximately 17,000 civilian deaths and more than 50,000 civilian injuries since the outbreak of the war in 2022. These casualties, coupled with significant damage to civilian infrastructure, constrained access to health care and substantial population displacement have created a profound crisis, with approximately 10.8 million Ukrainians in need of humanitarian assistance. The facts on the ground paint a clear picture: sending Ukrainians back now would risk returning them to life threatening conditions.

Protecting the approximately 101,000 Ukrainian TPS holders currently living in the United States is a humanitarian imperative, but also a sound economic decision. Thanks to the work authorization granted by their TPS status, Ukrainian TPS holders have contributed approximately $2.6 billion to our economy each year and have provided approximately $716 million in taxes annually. In States like Illinois, thousands of Ukrainian TPS holders make our communities stronger not only through their rich cultural contributions, but also through their participation in critical sectors, including transportation, health care and construction. Terminating TPS for this population risks disrupting these industries, increasing costs for American consumers by forcing thousands of experienced workers out of their jobs.

Current conditions in Ukraine clearly merit the continuation of TPS status. The ongoing war has caused a humanitarian crisis and damage to critical civilian infrastructure has left many with limited or no access to heat, electricity or medical services. Ukrainian nationals cannot safely return at this time, and allowing TPS to terminate on October 19, 2026, would risk sending more than one hundred thousand individuals back to an active war zone. Ukrainian TPS holders contribute greatly to our communities, both culturally and economically. To ensure that eligible Ukrainian nationals currently in the United States can continue living and working safely while conditions in their home country remain perilous, we urge you issue an extension and redesignation of TPS for Ukraine.

Sincerely,

-30-",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-leads-great-lakes-senators-in-demanding-answers-on-trump-administrations-repeated-pauses-of-the-brandon-road-project,Durbin Leads Great Lakes Senators In Demanding Answers On Trump Administration’s Repeated Pauses Of The Brandon Road Project,2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"In today’s letter, the Senators emphasized that the Brandon Road Project Interbasin Project cannot be halted again as invasive carp have been found dangerously close to Lake Michigan

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), today sent a letter to the Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works demanding answers about why the Trump Administration has allowed for two administrative pauses to the Brandon Road Interbasin Project (BRIP) without an adequate justification. While the second administrative pause has been lifted and the project has resumed, these repeated pauses raise concerns about the possibility of future delays and the Trump Administration’s commitment to the project despite the President’s endorsement.

“We write to once again express serious concern about the recent second administrative review and pause of the Brandon Road Interbasin Project,” the lawmakers said. “We request a meeting to discuss the circumstances surrounding the pause and steps the Administration will take to ensure the project is completed as quickly as possible. … This second pause and review—after work on the project already was halted last fall—was put in place without advance notification to the state partners and without clear explanation, putting the completion of the project in jeopardy.”

The lawmakers underscored that any future halts to the BRIP could result in invasive carp entering the Great Lakes and irreparably disrupting the lakes’ ecosystem. In August, juvenile invasive carp were found just 80 miles downstream from Lake Michigan—reflecting the upstream advancement of adult invasive carp.

“While completing the long-delayed BRIP was already an urgent priority, a recent development underscores the urgency. Last month, young invasive carp were found in the Marseilles Pool of the Illinois River, just 80 miles downstream from Lake Michigan. This is the closest to the Great Lakes that young invasive carp have ever been found. It also suggests that a spawning event could have occurred even further north… If invasive carp were to become established in the Great Lakes, they would threaten existing fish populations, permanently damage ecosystems, and significantly impair the $7 billion Great Lakes economy,” the lawmakers wrote.

“As we noted in previous letters about this issue, invasive carp already have created significant problems in waterways by outcompeting native species, disrupting habitats, posing recreational hazards, and harming both commercial and recreational fishing… The best tool we have to combat this growing environmental threat is the immediate completion of the BRIP,” the lawmakers continued.

The lawmakers concluded their letter by emphasizing President Trump’s public support for the project and further reiterated their request to meet with the Trump Administration to ensure there are no further pauses to BRIP.

“Given President Trump’s clear support for the project, the clear threat posed by the invasive carp, and substantial funding and commitment provided by Congress, we urge the Administration to ensure the Brandon Road Interbasin Project moves forward without further interruption,” the lawmakers wrote.

“We look forward to meeting with you to discuss the project’s pauses and the Administration’s plan to keep the project on schedule,” the lawmakers concluded their letter.

Durbin has been a tireless advocate for the Brandon Road Project and finding a comprehensive approach to protecting the Great Lakes from the threat of invasive carp. Through previous Water Resources Development Acts, Durbin has secured authorization for design and construction of the Brandon Road Project, and in December 2024, Durbin successfully included a provision in the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA) to increase the federal cost share for the Brandon Road Project. Under the provision, the federal government will pay 90 percent of the operation and maintenance costs for Brandon Road after the project’s construction is complete, significantly lowering the costs of maintaining the infrastructure for Illinois.

In July 2024, Durbin applauded Illinois, Michigan, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for signing a Project Partnership Agreement (PPA) regarding the Brandon Road Project, which was necessary to ensure that the Brandon Road Project moves forward and does not lose valuable federal funding for its construction.

Durbin also previously secured $225.8 million in construction funding for the project from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), $47.3 million in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 government funding bill, and $28 million in the FY26 Energy and Water Appropriations bill.

Durbin was instrumental in forcing the release of the original Brandon Road Study, a draft plan that paved the way for the project, after the first Trump Administration stalled the report’s release.

A copy of the letter is available here and below:

September 22, 2026

Dear Acting Assistant Secretary Forsgren:

In light of a recent discovery that young invasive carp were found just 80 miles downstream from Lake Michigan, we write to once again express serious concern about the recent second administrative review and pause of the Brandon Road Interbasin Project (BRIP). Although this pause was lifted on September 2, the lack of explanation for it raises concerns about this Administration’s commitment to the project and the possibility of future delays. We request a meeting to discuss the circumstances surrounding the pause and steps the Administration will take to ensure the project is completed as quickly as possible.

On July 24, 2026, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued its second stop work order for BRIP, placing the project under administrative review. This second pause and review—after work on the project already was halted last fall—was put in place without advance notification to the state partners and without clear explanation, putting the completion of the project in jeopardy. As a result of these delays, project costs are increasing and contractors have been forced to modify their schedules. Although the project final completion date remains on schedule, these delays continue to put that timeline at risk.

Congress first authorized the BRIP in 2020. In 2022, Congress provided $225 million for the construction of the BRIP, an additional $47 million in 2023, and $28 million more in 2026. Illinois and Michigan, the project’s non-federal sponsors, have invested more than $100 million in the project.

While completing the long-delayed BRIP was already an urgent priority, a recent development underscores the urgency. Last month, young invasive carp were found in the Marseilles Pool of the Illinois River, just 80 miles downstream from Lake Michigan. This is the closest to the Great Lakes that young invasive carp have ever been found. It also suggests that a spawning event could have occurred even further north. According to experts, the presence of the juvenile carp is “a significant step in the invasion process.” If invasive carp were to become established in the Great Lakes, they would threaten existing fish populations, permanently damage ecosystems, and significantly impair the $7 billion Great Lakes economy.

As we noted in previous letters about this issue, invasive carp already have created significant problems in waterways by outcompeting native species, disrupting habitats, posing recreational hazards, and harming both commercial and recreational fishing. Research has shown that just 10 breeding pairs of invasive carp introduced to the Great Lakes’ ecosystem could bring irreversible damage. The best tool we have to combat this growing environmental threat is the immediate completion of the BRIP.

President Trump has highlighted the importance of stopping the invasive carp, saying “it is sort of a bipartisan thing when you get right down to it's a very expensive thing . . . I looked at the numbers. I said, well, but we have to save Lake Michigan because these fish that they eat everything in their way, including the other fish."" President Trump reiterated that support in a memorandum from May 9, 2025, saying, “My Administration fully supports preventing the spread of invasive carp . . . I am directing my Administration to achieve maximum speed and efficiency at the Federal level . . . This includes supporting the Brandon Road Interbasin Project, through deadline-oriented investments of taxpayer dollars . . .”

Given President Trump’s clear support for the project, the clear threat posed by the invasive carp, and substantial funding and commitment provided by Congress, we urge the Administration to ensure the Brandon Road Interbasin Project moves forward without further interruption. We also urge consistent and transparent communication with the non-federal sponsors in the future in advance of any changes to the project.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter. We look forward to meeting with you to discuss the project’s pauses and the Administration’s plan to keep the project on schedule.

Sincerely,

-30-",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2026/9/icymi-lahood-delbene-introduce-bipartisan-meals-for-communities-tax-credit-act-to-encourage-charitable-prepared-meal-donations,"ICYMI: LaHood, DelBene introduce Bipartisan Meals for Communities Tax Credit Act to Encourage Charitable Prepared Meal Donations",2026-09-21,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Representatives Darin LaHood (IL-16) and Susan DelBene (WA-01) introduced the bipartisan Meals for Communities Tax Credit Act. This legislation would encourage restaurants and retail food establishments to donate prepared meals to charitable organizations serving communities across the country by creating a new tax credit for prepared meal donations.

The legislation is supported by ReThink Food, a nonprofit organization that works to reduce food waste and food insecurity by transforming surplus food into nutritious meals for communities in need. Representative Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) also joined the legislation as an original cosponsor.

“Restaurants and food retailers in Illinois and throughout the country have an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their communities by donating prepared meals to organizations that can put them directly into the hands of people in need,” said Rep. LaHood. “The Meals for Communities Tax Credit Act provides a commonsense incentive for businesses to be charitable and turn surplus prepared food into meals for families and individuals who need them. By encouraging these donations, we can help strengthen our communities and make sure good food reaches the people who need it most.”

“Millions of families across the country are struggling to reliably put food on the table because of rising grocery bills and a more expensive economy. Our food pantries and local nonprofits are stretched thin and cannot meet the demand in their communities. Meanwhile, restaurants are also contending with higher overhead costs and fewer customers,” said Rep. DelBene. “This legislation helps address both problems by providing restaurants with incentives to donate prepared meals directly to nonprofits serving hungry families. It will support restaurants, their workers, and families who don’t have enough to eat.”

""Restaurants are more than places where people eat – they are a vital part of our community infrastructure, with the kitchens, talent, and local relationships to help address food insecurity at scale,” said Matt Jozwiak, Founder and CEO of Rethink Food. “The Meals for Communities Tax Credit creates a practical way to unlock that capacity, helping local restaurants stay strong while providing nutritious, chef-prepared meals to neighbors who need them. We’re grateful to Representatives LaHood and DelBene for recognizing that supporting small businesses and strengthening food access can, and should, go hand in hand.”

Background:

Under current law, businesses and individuals can receive tax deductions for bulk food donations based on the value of the donated goods. However, no deduction or credit exists for prepared meals donated to nonprofit organizations that take into consideration the added costs of food preparation.

The Meals for Communities Tax Credit Act establishes a new nonrefundable credit for eligible businesses that donate prepared meals to charitable organizations. Specifically, the bill would:

Provide a tax credit equal to 50% of the fair market value of qualified prepared meal donations, with a maximum credit of $7 per meal, adjusted to inflation;

Cap the total allowable credit at $50,000 per year;

Include guardrails to prevent businesses from double dipping by claiming both the prepared meal credit and the existing charitable deduction for any food donation; and

Retain the same health and food safety standards for kitchens and donated meals as already required for commercial restaurant service.

To view the text of the bill, click HERE.",1,2026-09-22T09:42:49Z,2026-09-22T09:44:35Z
https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-condemns-reports-ice-targeting-us-citizen-evanston,Schakowsky Condemns Reports of ICE Targeting U.S. Citizen in Evanston,2026-09-20,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Janice D. Schakowsky,S001145,schakowsky.house.gov,schakowsky,https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"EVANSTON - Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) released the following statement in response to reports that a U.S. citizen was mistakenly detained and injured by federal immigration agents in Evanston on Sunday:

“I am disgusted and outraged by reports of what happened in my hometown of Evanston on Sunday. A U.S. citizen was mistakenly detained by federal immigration agents, injured, and taken to the hospital.

“This is unacceptable. For over a year, Trump and his cronies have been trying to terrorize our communities, leaving some of our neighbors afraid to go about their daily lives. No one should have to fear being detained or harmed by their own government.

“My team and I are continuing to monitor the situation and working with local authorities and partners. We must get to the bottom of exactly what happened, and those responsible must be held accountable.

“Our diversity is our strength. We will not let Trump or anyone else get in our way. Our neighbors have come together and fought back, and we must continue to stand together and stand up for one another. We cannot let fear win. We are stronger together.”

###",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/representatives-garcia-hayes-and-senator-booker-introduce-the-diversify-act,"Representatives García, Hayes and Senator Booker  Introduce the DIVERSIFY Act",2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,"Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García",G000586,chuygarcia.house.gov,chuygarcia,https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representatives Jesús ""Chuy"" García (IL-04), Jahana Hayes (CT-05) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), reintroduced the Diversifying by Investing in Educators and Students to Improve Outcomes For Youth (DIVERSIFY) Act, legislation that would strengthen and expand the TEACH Grant award and help build a well prepared and diverse educator workforce.

The TEACH Grant, created in 2007, provides up to $4,000 to undergraduate and graduate students interested in becoming teachers and serving in a high-need field teaching students from low-income families. However, even when the cost of higher education has risen significantly, the statutory maximum of the TEACH grant has not changed.

“Students deserve to see their own diversity reflected in those who teach them. In Chicago, less than 50% of teachers come from diverse backgrounds while Latino and Black students make up nearly 90% of the student population. As the cost of higher education and student loan debt continue to place a growing financial burden on students, we must do more to make a career in education accessible and affordable,” said Congressman García. “Increasing the TEACH Grant will help remove financial barriers for aspiring educators, expand opportunities for students, and ensure this critical program keeps pace with the rising cost of earning a degree.”

“Every student should have the opportunity to learn from educators who understand their experiences, reflect their communities, and help them to break down negative stereotypes and biases. A diverse teacher workforce can strengthen student outcomes, improve school engagement, lower absentee and discipline rates and decrease incidents of misdiagnosis for special education,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “The DIVERSIFY Act will help encourage more individuals with multiple viewpoints and life experiences to enter the teaching profession and bring their talent back to the communities they call home. I am pleased to partner with Senator Booker and Representative García on this important legislation.”

“Teachers play an essential role in preparing the next generation, yet too many are asked to do more with fewer resources and often spend their own money to support their classrooms,” said Senator Booker. “We should be putting money back in teachers’ pockets and making it easier for those who choose a career in education to manage the cost of their own education. By doubling the TEACH Grant and ending harmful annual cuts to the program, this legislation will provide greater support to current and future educators while helping strengthen and diversify our teacher workforce. Every student deserves access to great teachers, including educators who reflect the backgrounds and experiences of the communities they serve.”

“A diverse educator workforce begins with a higher education pathway that is accessible, affordable, and designed to support the language assets of aspiring teachers. For bilingual educators, the cost of earning a bachelor’s degree can be a significant barrier to entering the profession while the demand for bilingual skillsets are needed now more than ever to serve English learners. The DIVERSIFY Act recognizes that strengthening the teacher pipeline by making educator preparation more financially accessible, this legislation can help open the door for more talented, multilingual, and diverse professionals to earn their degrees and enter the classrooms our students deserve,” said Linda Xóchitl Tortolero, CEO and President at the Latino Policy Forum.

The DIVERSIFY Act will help create a well-prepared and diverse educator workforce by:

Increasing the maximum TEACH Grant award to $8,000 per year to better reflect the rising cost of higher education and educator preparation.

Ending sequestration cuts to the TEACH Grant award, ensuring eligible students can receive the full grant amount authorized by Congress.

Eliminating the harsh loan conversion penalty which can serve as a deterrent to entering the program, and therefore teaching.

Ensuring that the TEACH Grant Program effectively covers the full cost of comprehensive preparation and reduces debt burdens by amending the program to cover the full cost of attendance, rather than just tuition, fees, and institutionally owned housing.

Requiring the Secretary of Education to provide TEACH Grant recipients who have completed their service obligation with electronic certification recognizing their completion.

Expanding TEACH Grant eligibility for early educators by allowing service in a high-need early education program to satisfy service requirements and adding early childhood education as a codified shortage subject.

Co-sponsors of this legislation include Representatives: Summer Lee (PA-12), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Eleanor Norton (DC-AL), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Judy Chu (CA-28), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), and Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07).",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-schumer-call-on-airlines-to-guarantee-that-emergency-medical-kits-aboard-their-commercial-planes-include-life-saving-epinephrine,"Duckworth, Schumer Call on Airlines to Guarantee That Emergency Medical Kits Aboard Their Commercial Planes Include Life-Saving Epinephrine",2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"The Senators’ push comes after the FAA proposed a rule that wouldn’t require epinephrine delivery methods designed for self-administration on every flight, jeopardizing passenger safety

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation—and U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today called on every U.S.-based passenger airline to guarantee that the emergency medical kit (EMK) kept on-board their aircraft include epinephrine—a life-saving medication to treat passengers who go into anaphylactic shock—in delivery methods designed that can be easily self-administered by individuals without medical training. The Senators’ letter comes after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposed a new rule that wouldn’t require medications to be standard, consistent and dependable for passengers in need on commercial flights. In the landmark FAA Reauthorization Law that she co-authored, Duckworth successfully secured a provision which required the FAA to ensure commercial airlines have adequate emergency medical kits on-board to treat conditions like anaphylaxis. And yet, the FAA’s proposed rule would not require them to carry epinephrine, the only medication that reliably treats this medical emergency.

“The Trump Administration’s proposed rule will reduce public safety and trust when flying by increasing ambiguity, subjectivity and opacity with respect to EMK components,” wrote the Senators. “There have already been reports of incomplete, outdated and unusable EMKs, with some physician passengers being forced to crowdsource medication from passengers. Further, airlines are not required to publicly or centrally report the real-time inventory and exact contents of their EMKs and have continued to operate under exemptions granted from the FAA for years.”

Without EMKs containing epinephrine delivery methods that can be easily self-administered, like auto-injectors or nasal sprays, passengers experiencing anaphylaxis must rely on carrying their own medication or hope there is a medical professional aboard the flight who can quickly determine the correct dosage from a vial and then administer it correctly and quickly enough to save their life. This rule creates unnecessary risk that can put passengers’ lives in danger, which is exactly what happened to constituents of both Duckworth and Schumer.

In their letter, the Senators describe the terrifying scenario one of Duckworth’s constituents from Illinois was faced with: “In 2019, an 18-year-old traveling home to Chicago after completing her freshman year at college had an in-flight anaphylactic reaction to a salad containing tree nuts. According to her account, the flight crew was unsure if epinephrine was in the EMK and none of the crewmembers knew how to administer the medication. Fortunately, she had her own epinephrine auto-injector and was able to administer the medication in the bathroom of the plane. However, she was only carrying a single dose, raising her level of risk because, if her single dose failed to keep her airways open, she could not access additional lifesaving medication on the flight.”

In the letter, the Senators also recounted a scenario where, because the aircraft’s EMK was not equipped with epinephrine that could be easily self-administered, a New York doctor had to act with speed and precision to save the life of another passenger experiencing anaphylactic shock: “Even if an aircraft’s EMK contains a vial of epinephrine, the lack of an easily self-administered delivery system, such as an auto-injector, could make providing the medication dangerous for a layperson or even challenging for a trained medical doctor. This type of harrowing scenario occurred that same year, in 2019, when a prominent New York-based physician was forced to make split-second calculations to draw from a vial a safe, diluted fraction of the available cardiac arrest formulation of epinephrine to save the life of a young man having a severe allergic reaction,” continued the Senators.

In light of the FAA’s misguided and dangerous proposed rule change, Duckworth and Schumer stressed the urgency of ensuring each EMK is equipped with the proper life-saving medication the flying public deserves, especially amid the significant increase in allergies among children over the past decade. The lawmakers demanded detailed answers from each airline by September 25, 2026, regarding the contents of their EMKs, their capabilities to treat anaphylaxis and whether they have sought out exemptions from FAA requirements for carrying epinephrine or other medications.

Full text of the letter can be found below and on Senator Duckworth’s website:

Dear [CEO Name],

We are writing to request information about the composition of the emergency medical kit (EMK) carried aboard your aircraft, including the availability of epinephrine via accessible delivery methods, in light of the recent Trump Administration rulemaking regarding EMK contents.

EMKs are supposed to enable initial treatment of a passenger experiencing moderate to severe injuries or illnesses until the aircraft can land and the passenger can be transferred to emergency medical personnel. Without proper medications that can easily be administered on board, medical emergencies happening while 35,000 feet in the air could turn deadly.

For example, in 2019, an 18-year-old traveling home to Chicago after completing her freshman year at college had an in-flight anaphylactic reaction to a salad containing tree nuts. According to her account, the flight crew was unsure if epinephrine was in the EMK and none of the crewmembers knew how to administer the medication. Fortunately, she had her own epinephrine auto-injector and was able to administer the medication in the bathroom of the plane. However, she was only carrying a single dose, raising her level of risk because, if her single dose failed to keep her airways open, she could not access additional lifesaving medication on the flight.

Even if an aircraft’s EMK contains a vial of epinephrine, the lack of an easily self-administered delivery system, such as an auto-injector, could make providing the medication dangerous for a layperson or even challenging for a trained medical doctor. This type of harrowing scenario occurred that same year, in 2019, when a prominent New York-based physician was forced to make split-second calculations to draw from a vial a safe, diluted fraction of the available cardiac arrest formulation of epinephrine to save the life of a young man having a severe allergic reaction.

Having multiple doses of epinephrine on every aircraft, in delivery methods that can be easily self-administered by individuals without medical training, is more urgent than ever due to the on-flight presence of food items containing unlabeled allergens, a steady increase in the number of children with food allergies, the increased prevalence of a tick-borne illness that could create life-threatening allergies and the very real possibility that more than one passenger may require epinephrine during a single flight.

In 2019, after hearing from our constituents and learning that the airlines had successfully sought a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) exemption from the requirement to stock EMKs with epinephrine, we sent a letter to the airline carriers demanding that they reverse course and include epinephrine auto-injectors in EMKs. Seven years later, the FAA has yet to require epinephrine in forms that can be easily self-administered, and air carriers continue to operate under the same exemptions. This will not fly.

In the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, we secured language that directed the FAA to assemble a panel of experts to make recommendations on EMKs and issue a proposed rule. The FAA Onboard Medical Kits Working Group included aerospace medicine experts and physicians, physiologists, psychologists, human factors specialists, cabin safety professionals and researchers. This working group submitted its report, dated May 1, 2025, to the FAA. The report stated:

“The items proposed … are intended to provide initial stabilizing Basic Life Support (BLS) care for immediately life-threatening conditions such as cardiac arrest, airway emergencies, major hemorrhage, and anaphylaxis (emphasis added), as well as to facilitate provision of limited basic first-aid interventions for minor injuries and illnesses that are known to occur in-flight.”

Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. Importantly, the proposed EMK content list in the report includes both “pre-measured auto-delivery device” or “vial-drawn kit.” Yet, more than one year later, the Trump administration publicly defied the recommendations in this report developed by the expert working group the FAA itself commissioned. Through rulemaking, the Trump Administration is seeking to downgrade the EMK content list, from a binding requirement to mere optional guidance.

On August 5, 2026, the FAA issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) titled “Improving Emergency Medical Kit Efficacy and Flexibility in Commercial Airline Operations,” which would make drastic changes to how the FAA determines the composition of EMKs. Specifically, this new proposed rule would allow operators to determine what components should be included in EMKs, so long as the EMK is “practical and sufficient” to address nine conditions, including anaphylaxis. The proposed rule would also eliminate the exemption process, which was created due to challenges in stocking EMKs due to drug shortages and allow airlines to substitute drugs, “without requesting an FAA exemption.” While we recognize that drug shortages may make it difficult to meet existing standards, there is no alternative to epinephrine to treat anaphylaxis.

The FAA currently requires an EMK to contain two epinephrine 1:1,000, single dose ampule or equivalent. Under the proposed rule, the operator will be able to make the decision about whether to include epinephrine:

“…FAA recommends sufficient resources for anaphylaxis (sudden/acute severe allergic reaction), which may include the following signs and symptoms: hives; swelling of the mouth, throat, or tongue; difficulty breathing, rapid or weak pulse, dizziness; stomach pain; nausea or vomiting; or loss of consciousness. Treatment options could (emphasis added) include medication such as epinephrine.”

Air carriers typically carry epinephrine vials on flights which then need to be correctly dosed, drawn and administered to a passenger experiencing anaphylaxis. If a passenger is experiencing anaphylaxis, they could have mere seconds until they are unable to breathe. Without Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved epinephrine delivery methods designed to be easily self-administered, passengers rely on the chance that there will be a good Samaritan on the flight who is a trained medical professional, or a flight attendant, in consultation with a medical professional on the ground, to quickly measure an appropriate dose of epinephrine using a vial and syringe. This is both risky and unnecessary.

The Trump Administration’s proposed rule will reduce public safety and trust when flying by increasing ambiguity, subjectivity and opacity of EMK components. There have already been reports of incomplete, outdated and unusable EMKs, with some physician passengers being forced to crowdsource medication from passengers. Further, airlines are not required to publicly or centrally report the real-time inventory and exact contents of their EMKs and have continued to operate under exemptions granted by the FAA for years. EMK suppliers and airlines can track when an EMK is opened and needs restocking, but only in instances where the kit was used. There is no means of systematically tracking incidents of allergic reactions or anaphylaxis, especially when passengers use their own epinephrine.

The proposed rule argues that increased flexibility is needed to keep up with advances in medicine, but without appropriate reporting and tracking, the Trump administration is significantly increasing the risk of major inconsistencies in EMKs from flight to flight. Predictability, consistency and transparency are all necessary to ensure passengers’ safety, particularly in cases of anaphylaxis, when minutes, or even seconds, matter.

Recent high-profile incidents underscore the gravity of this issue. In January 2026, a Virgin Australia passenger on a regional flight experienced a severe anaphylactic reaction requiring two successive doses of epinephrine—first from their own epinephrine auto-injector, then from another passenger—because no airline-supplied epinephrine was available aboard the aircraft. Fortunately, this individual survived, but such cases should serve as dire warnings of the fatal risks posed by the absence of standardized epinephrine in EMKs, and a reminder of the critical importance of aircraft EMKs containing delivery methods that allow for self-administration of epinephrine.

To ensure the safety of all airline passengers, we must guarantee that U.S.-based airlines include FDA-approved epinephrine delivery methods designed for self-administration on every flight.

To better understand your current practices and alignment with proposed FAA standards, as well as the rationale behind your chosen epinephrine delivery methods and relevant data collection practices, please provide answers to the following questions by Friday, September 25, 2026:

What is the delivery method for the epinephrine that your airline currently carries (e.g., vial-drawn kit, auto-injector, nasal spray, etc.)?

If your airline has transitioned from vial-and-syringe epinephrine to auto-injectors, nasal spray or other FDA-approved delivery methods, what factors prompted this change?

If not, what barriers prevent your airline from carrying FDA-approved delivery methods for self-administered epinephrine?

Does your airline carry more than one delivery method for epinephrine?

How many units of epinephrine vials, auto-injectors or nasal spray are included in your EMKs?

Does your airline collect data on in-flight anaphylactic events, including those where passengers used their own epinephrine?

Has your airline filed a waiver(s) or sought an exemption(s) from FAA requirements for carrying epinephrine? If so, please provide documentation of the exemption(s) and reason(s) for the request, and whether and when the issue was resolved such that no exemption was necessary.

Has your airline filed a waiver(s) or sought an exemption(s) from FAA requirements for carrying other medications or components of EMKs? If so, please provide documentation of the exemption(s) and reason(s) for the request, and when the issue was resolved such that no exemption was necessary.

Should EMK requirements shift from a prescriptive list of components to operator-determined components, how would your airline make sure EMKs are consistent, reliable and up to date on all its flights?

How would your airline define and measure if each EMK is “practical and sufficient” and remains so flight after flight? Who would be responsible for making such determinations and ensuring consistency and reliability?

What recourse or actions would be available to passengers, should the EMKs be insufficient to treat a medical condition or event during flight? Who would determine if the EMK, in fact, was not “sufficient”?

Thank you for your attention to this crucial matter. We look forward to reviewing your response.

-30-",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-new-reports-of-pentagon-covering-up-more-troop-casualties-in-iran-war-duckworth-and-ryan-call-on-congress-to-pass-their-bill-to-ban-pentagon-from-manipulating-casualty-records,"Following New Reports of Pentagon Covering Up More Troop Casualties in Iran War, Duckworth and Ryan Call on Congress to Pass Their Bill to Ban Pentagon from Manipulating Casualty Records",2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"The lawmakers’ call comes after the Washington Post reported that 22 servicemembers have been killed in the Iran War, not 18 servicemembers as the Pentagon previously disclosed

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Following new reports that the Pentagon has covered up 4 additional American servicemember deaths in President Donald Trump’s Iran War, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Pat Ryan (D-NY-18)—both Iraq War combat Veterans—are calling on Congress to pass their legislation that would prevent the Trump Administration from continuing to do this. The lawmakers’ Honoring the Sacrifice of Troops in War Act would ban Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth from manipulating casualty records and jeopardizing the benefits of our military families.

“Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth are proving once again they will stop at nothing to hide the true cost of this war from the American people. Reports now indicate as many as 22 of our servicemembers have laid down their lives fighting in a conflict we never should’ve been in. And instead of honoring their sacrifice and telling the truth, this Administration is trying to cover it up in attempt to cover up what a failure they are ahead of an election,” said Senator Tammy Duckworth. “We’ve been here before. Trump tried to hide the deaths of four of our heroes nearly 2 months ago, which is why I wrote the Honoring the Sacrifice of Troops in War Act and called for its passage then. Now that it’s clear they’ll keep this up, Congressional Republicans must join us and help immediately pass our legislation to put a stop to this dishonorable playbook for good. Our fallen heroes deserve better than a five-time draft dodger who manipulates their sacrifices this way.”

“Pete Hegseth is engaged in a coverup to downplay his failed leadership when it comes to the war in Iran. We now know that 22 servicemembers made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and fellow soldiers. Instead of honoring their heroism and Patriotism, Trump and Hegseth are trying to sweep it under the rug. They’d rather dishonor our fallen heroes than tell the truth,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “It’s a complete and total betrayal of our servicemembers by the very people that swore to protect and do right by them. This is exactly why I introduced bicameral legislation to force the Pentagon to be honest with the American people about the enormous human cost of this war. Congress must pass our bill and fully honor each and every one of the Patriots who lost their lives in Trump’s war because it’s infuriatingly clear we can’t trust Hegseth to do the right thing.”

To ban the Secretary of Defense from hiding the true cost of war, the Honoring the Sacrifices of Our Troops in War Act would:

Ensure Accurate Public Statistics on Casualties by requiring for the first time ever that DoD publish and update frequently casualties in war.

Ban Arbitrary, Unjustified Recategorizing of Designated Contingency Operations by prohibiting redesignating an ongoing conflict if the Administration continues to mobilize forces against the same enemy;

Prevent Manipulation of Casualty Records by prohibiting manipulation of casualty records by falsely redesignating a contingency operation;

Restore Casualty Records of Our Fallen and Wounded Heroes in the Iran War by requiring restoration of casualty records for Iran-related operations since February 28, 2026, and notify next-of-kin about the correction;

Ban Cutting Hard-Earned Benefits for Troops and Civilian Personnel by prohibiting the modification of eligibility for deployment-related personnel benefits on the basis of falsely redesignating a contingency operation; and

Restore Benefits to Personnel Supporting Iran War by retroactively restoring all covered benefits entitled to members of the Armed Services and civilian employees who have supported Iran-related operations since February 28, 2026.

The original bill introduction in the Senate came after the Pentagon unprecedentedly recategorized recent casualties suffered in Trump’s Iran war—including four killed and over 200 wounded servicemembers—under a separate category outside Operation Epic Fury in a shameless attempt to downplay the damage done and evade accountability to the American people.

-30-",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-introduces-bill-to-expand-benefits-of-local-transmission-lines,Casten Introduces Bill to Expand Benefits of Local Transmission Lines,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Sean Casten,C001117,casten.house.gov,casten,https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) introduced the Integrated Local, Regional, and Interregional Transmission Planning Act, legislation that will make electricity more affordable, reliable, resilient, and clean by helping to make best use of key local transmission facilities in the expansion of regional and interregional transmission capacity. Well-planned transmission broadens the pool of electricity generation resources available to customers, increasing access to less expensive electricity – which tends as well to be the cleanest energy.

“Ensuring that local transmission facilities are considered in regional and interregional transmission planning is vital in creating lower-cost new transmission capabilities,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “The current transmission planning process can be inefficiently narrow in scope. At a time when our electric grid is under tremendous stress, the Integrated Local, Regional, and Interregional Transmission Planning Act offers a fix that can make our grid more efficient, reliable, and resilient, while expanding access to affordable clean energy.”

Claire Wayner and Chaz Teplin of RMI, authors of the landmark 2024 report, “Mind the Regulatory Gap,” said, “We applaud the introduction of the Integrated Local, Regional, and Interregional Transmission Planning Act. The Act will help close the regulatory gap by incorporating local transmission projects into regional and interregional transmission planning. This will maximize benefits for ratepayers by reducing overall system costs and maximizing planning and market efficiencies.”

Talia Calnek-Sugin, Senior Energy Policy Advocate at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), said, “Right now, transmission planning is done in a disjointed way that produces a less robust grid at a higher cost for Americans. The Integrated Local, Regional, and Interregional Transmission Planning Act would harmonize these fragmented and incomplete planning processes and deliver consumers lower electric bills, clean and affordable energy, and a more reliable power grid.”

Under the Integrated Local, Regional, and Interregional Transmission Planning Act, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will require transmission planning regions to integrate and improve their planning processes for interregional, regional, and certain local transmission facilities, the latter being those which could be useful, if replaced, for regional or interregional transmission.

The legislation focuses on local transmission facilities for two reasons. First, some existing local transmission lines can be upsized to provide lower-cost regional and interregional transmission, avoiding the need to build new transmission lines.

Second, local transmission projects often inhabit a ""regulatory gap” – state overseers are prohibited from objecting to the projects on economic grounds even as they are given a weighty presumption of prudence at the federal level. When transmitting utilities address just their local needs without considering possible regional and interregional benefits, these local transmission investments may foreclose better regional and interregional projects.

Specifically, the Integrated Local, Regional, and Interregional Transmission Planning Act builds on FERC Order 1920 by requiring FERC to issue a regulation that would require transmission planning regions (excluding the Electric Reliability Council of Texas) to:

Integrate interregional, regional, and covered local transmission planning processes;

Advance transmission solutions that are more efficient or cost-effective in the long term to replace the need for less efficient short-term solutions;

Use scenarios of 20 years or more that include a range of factors, including State-approved integrated resource plans; Federal, Tribal, state and local requirements and policy goals; and trends in the costs of fuels, generation and electric storage;

Account for transmission outages due to extreme weather events;

Optimize the existing transmission system, including through grid-enhancing technologies;

Establish cost allocation methodologies applicable to projects selected in their transmission plans, while allowing customers to be charged only for those facilities from which they benefit; and

Develop joint plans with any neighboring Regional Transmission Organizations (RTO) and Independent System Operators (ISO).

The original cosponsors of the bill are U.S. Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-14), Mike Levin (CA-49), George Latimer (NY-16), and James McGovern (MA-02).

A summary of the legislation can be found here.

Text of the legislation can be found here.

###",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-condemns-brutal-stabbing-sikh-truck-driver-denounces-trump-dhs,"Krishnamoorthi Condemns Brutal Stabbing of Sikh Truck Driver, Denounces Trump DHS Post Demonizing Sikh Driver Amid Rising Anti-Sikh and Anti-South Asian Hate",2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Raja Krishnamoorthi,K000391,krishnamoorthi.house.gov,krishnamoorthi,https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"SCHAUMBURG, IL — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today issued the following statement after reports that a Sikh truck driver was stabbed 17 times at a Wyoming rest stop:

“I’m horrified by the brutal attack on a Sikh truck driver who was stabbed 17 times at a Wyoming rest stop. This comes amid rising hatred targeting Sikh and South Asian Americans, with even the Trump Department of Homeland Security recently posting a racist caricature of a Sikh truck driver telling him to ‘get off our roads’ and ‘self-deport or find out.’

“Those spreading this hate, including officials in our own federal government, need to stop. Those who turn it into violence must be held accountable. And all of us need to stand together against both. America must be better than this. I’m praying for Mr. Singh’s full recovery and grateful to the family whose quick action helped save his life.”",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-demands-answers-after-fbi-director-patel-refuses-rule-out,Krishnamoorthi Demands Answers After FBI Director Patel Refuses to Rule Out Deploying FBI Agents to Polling Places,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Raja Krishnamoorthi,K000391,krishnamoorthi.house.gov,krishnamoorthi,https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today demanded answers from Attorney General Todd Blanche after FBI Director Kash Patel repeatedly refused to rule out deploying FBI agents to polling places during the November midterm elections, the latest Trump Administration official to leave open the possibility of armed federal agents being sent to polling places on Election Day.

During testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee this week, Patel repeatedly declined to give senators an unequivocal commitment that FBI agents would not be stationed at or dispatched to polling places on Election Day. When Senator Richard Blumenthal pressed Patel to commit that zero agents would be present at polling locations, Patel instead declined to rule out deployments in response to reports of “problems” or “interference.”

In the letter, Krishnamoorthi writes:

“This ambiguity is difficult to reconcile with federal law. Since 1948, 18 U.S.C. § 592 has made it a felony for any officer ‘in the civil, military, or naval service of the United States’ to order, bring, or keep ‘armed men’ at any place where a general election is held, absent the need to repel armed enemies of the United States. The penalty includes up to five years’ imprisonment and disqualification from federal office. The Department’s own manual on the Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses has long construed that provision to reach armed federal agents, not merely military personnel.”

Krishnamoorthi noted that Patel’s testimony follows months of similar statements from senior Trump Administration officials. At his confirmation hearing, Blanche declined to categorically rule out armed federal agents at polling locations, while DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin has said armed federal law enforcement could be sent to polls in response to a “specific threat.”

The letter also points to President Trump’s July address claiming that hostile foreign nations could “rig” or “steal” American elections, despite the intelligence community’s conclusion that there were no indications any foreign actor attempted to alter any technical aspect of the 2020 voting process.

Krishnamoorthi writes:

“The purpose of that address was not to inform the public. It was to manufacture a national security predicate for federal intervention in the vote-casting process. This Administration is not responding to a threat to our elections. It is building the justification for one.”

Krishnamoorthi requested that Blanche respond by September 24, 2026, to the following questions:

Does the Department of Justice have a written policy, consistent with past practice, prohibiting FBI agents from being stationed at or dispatched to polling places on Election Day absent a specific, credible report of a federal crime in progress? If so, please provide a copy.

Has that policy changed, been suspended, or been reinterpreted at any point during your tenure or Director Patel's tenure? If so, when, by whom, and why?

Did Director Patel or any other Department or FBI official communicate to John James, or any other candidate, party official, or campaign, that FBI personnel would have a “presence” in specific geographic areas of Michigan — or any other state — in the lead-up to the November election? If so, please describe the nature, purpose, and legal basis for that presence.

Will you commit, on behalf of the Department, that no FBI personnel will be stationed at or visibly deployed to polling places during voting hours on Election Day, absent a specific warrant or credible report of an ongoing federal crime?

Krishnamoorthi concludes:

“The American people deserve an unequivocal answer to a simple question: will armed federal agents be present at their polling places in November? Director Patel had every opportunity today to provide that assurance and did not. I trust that you, as the nation's chief law enforcement officer, will not permit that ambiguity to stand unaddressed.”",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-opposes-f-35-sale-saudi-arabia-after-us-intelligence-warns,Krishnamoorthi Opposes F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia After U.S. Intelligence Warns China Could Obtain Sensitive Technology,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Raja Krishnamoorthi,K000391,krishnamoorthi.house.gov,krishnamoorthi,https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), a senior member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, today opposed the Trump Administration’s proposed sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia following reports that U.S. intelligence officials have warned China could gain access to sensitive American military technology through the deal.

“The Trump Administration should not move forward with its proposed sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia when our own intelligence community is warning that it could put the crown jewels of American military technology within reach of the Chinese Communist Party. Beijing has spent decades stealing American intellectual property and technology to close the gap with the United States, and we must not help them do it. We must not sell our most advanced fighter jet anywhere the CCP may be able to get its hands on the technology inside it.”

According to The New York Times, U.S. intelligence assessments have warned that China could acquire F-35 technology through espionage in Saudi Arabia or through the kingdom’s military and security relationship with Beijing. A recent Defense Intelligence Agency report raised concerns about Chinese military access to Saudi bases, Chinese technology in Saudi telecommunications infrastructure, and whether sensitive F-35 sites could be adequately secured. The proposed $24 billion sale includes 48 F-35s and a spare engine, with U.S. officials particularly concerned about protecting the aircraft’s advanced radar and surveillance technology.",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2026/9/lahood-s-change-act-passes-out-of-the-ways-and-means-committee,LaHood's CHANGE Act Passes out of the Ways and Means Committee,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – The House Ways and Means Committee voted unanimously to advance the Concentrating on High Value Alzheimer’s Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act, which was included as a provision in the Alzheimer's Screening and Prevention (ASAP) Act. This bipartisan legislation was led by Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16), Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07). The CHANGE Act coupled with ASAP Act works to remove roadblocks to care, support early detection efforts for Alzheimer's, and improve early assessment and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia.

“Alzheimer’s impacts millions of Americans, and we must do everything we can to support the search for a cure. This bipartisan bill provides help to patients and clinicians through expanded early detection support and improved data collection,” said Congressman LaHood. “The CHANGE Act, coupled with the ASAP Act, will strengthen existing tools to help streamline and broaden the ability for earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer's and other forms dementia. I thank Representatives Sánchez, Bilirakis, and Matsui for their collaboration on this critical legislation, and my Ways and Means colleagues for advancing this bill as we work to find ways to support patients, their families, and caregivers.”

“This is deeply personal for me. I lost both of my parents to Alzheimer’s, and I know firsthand how much earlier detection could have meant for our family,” said Congresswoman Sánchez. “Advancing this bill out of committee brings us one step closer to giving other families that chance. I’m grateful to my Ways and Means colleagues for passing our bipartisan bill and will keep fighting to get it signed into law.”

“Alzheimer’s touches millions of families, and identifying the disease early can make a meaningful difference for patients and their loved ones,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “The CHANGE Act brings us closer to giving healthcare providers the tools to recognize the warning signs sooner and connect families with the care and support they need. I’m proud this bipartisan legislation is moving forward so more families can have more time, better care, and greater hope.”

“Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that has touched my family personally, so I understand the tremendous toll it takes not only on patients, but also on the loved ones who care for them,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. “As promising new treatments continue to emerge, early detection and diagnosis are more important than ever. The bipartisan CHANGE Act will help ensure patients and their doctors have better tools to identify cognitive decline earlier, when interventions may have the greatest impact. I am pleased to see this important legislation advance out of Committee as part of a broader package, bringing us another step closer to improving care, preserving quality of life, and ultimately finding a cure for this terrible disease.”

“Annual cognitive screening is critical to ensuring early diagnosis of dementia. The CHANGE Act will ensure primary care providers use validated tools to catch cognitive impairment early, when patients and families can act on it. Early diagnosis means more time for families and patients to plan, and the opportunity to consider treatments options or enrolling in a clinical trial. We thank Reps. LaHood, Sanchez, and Buchanan for their leadership and urge Congress to move forward with ensuring CHANGE and ASAP become law together,” said Catherine Patterson, Acting COO, UsAgainstAlzheimer’s.

""Rep. LaHood has been a persistent voice for early Alzheimer's detection, and his leadership on the ASAP Act is helping clear the path for Medicare to cover the blood-based screening tests families need,"" said Robert Egge, Alzheimer's Association chief public policy officer and executive director, AIM. ""We also appreciate his work on the CHANGE Act, further demonstrating his commitment to the Alzheimer's community.""

Background:

The CHANGE Act would support, incentivize, and authorize high-value Alzheimer’s patient care, and support caregivers and research initiatives to improve prevention and treatment for the disease. Specifically, it would require physicians to use any of the National Institute on Aging’s cognitive impairment detection tools to help detect, refer and diagnose Alzheimer’s and related dementias in their earliest stages.

Specifically, it would require physicians to conduct cognitive screenings at a patient's annual Medicare wellness visit by using any of the National Institute on Aging’s cognitive impairment detection tools. With these annual screenings, physicians can track patients' cognitive abilities overtime to help detect and diagnose Alzheimer’s and related dementias in their earliest stages.",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-votes-bipartisan-ratepayer-protection-act-protect-against-energy,SCHNEIDER VOTES FOR BIPARTISAN RATEPAYER PROTECTION ACT TO PROTECT AGAINST ENERGY COST SPIKES CAUSED BY DATA CENTERS,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Bradley Scott Schneider,S001190,schneider.house.gov,schneider,https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"“Everywhere families look, costs are rising,” said Schneider. “From groceries to gas to housing, health care to utilities, it’s getting more and more difficult for Americans to make ends meet. Every day I hear directly from constituents in my District who are concerned about the high cost of living and need relief now. Yesterday’s vote will help address the impact large-load customers like data centers will continue to have on our electric grid and ultimately Illinois residents’ wallets. This is an important first step, but there is much more we must do. I will continue working to ensure data centers do not result in higher utility rates for customers and protect the communities in which they operate. The American people are depending on Congress to come to the table with solutions. There’s no time to waste.”",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressmen-sorensen-flood-lead-bipartisan-letter-support-us-air-force,"Congressmen Sorensen, Flood Lead Bipartisan Letter of Support for U.S. Air Force Reserve’s “Hurricane Hunters”",2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Eric Sorensen,S001225,sorensen.house.gov,sorensen,https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Eric Sorensen (D, IL-17) and Congressman Mike Flood (R, NE-01) announced they led a bipartisan letter of support for the United States Air Force Reserve “Hurricane Hunters” of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron. The letter emphasizes the need for the unique data collection capabilities of the Hurricane Hunters, as well as the life-saving nature of their work.

“Hurricane Hunters carry out vital missions flying directly into storms to garner real-time, precise data on wind speeds, atmospheric pressure, humidity, and temperature. This data, which cannot be gathered through other means, improves our ability to keep the homeland safe,” wrote the Members in their letter. “Precise forecasts for intensity and zone of landfall allow Emergency Management the time and scope to move people away from danger as well as expedite recovery response, post-landfall. In an active season, our predictive capability saves billions of dollars and countless lives.”

Established in 1944, the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, known as the “Hurricane Hunters of the Air Force Reserve,” is the only Department of Defense organization still flying into tropical storms and hurricanes. The unit is comprised of ten WC-130J aircraft and crews are part of the 403rd Wing, based at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Joining Congressmen Sorensen and Flood on this letter were Representatives: Ezell (R, MS-04), Gimenez (R, FL-28), Weber (R, TX-29), Salazar (R, FL-27), Edwards (R, NC-11), Houlahan (D, PA-06), Lawler (R, NY-17), Carson (D, IN-07), Case (D, HI-01), Steube (R, FL-17), Wilson (R, SC-02), Moskowitz (D, FL-23), Deluzio (D, PA-17), Frost (D, FL-10), Davis (D, NC-01), Castor (D, FL-14), and Ross (D, NC-02).

Read the full text of the Representatives’ letter here.

Congressman Sorensen is the Co-Chair of the Weather Enterprise Caucus and is the only Meteorologist serving in Congress. After over two decades on local TV—communicating life-saving information that impacted Illinoisans’ jobs, schools, farms, and safety—Sorensen came to Congress to continue that same work, now from Washington rather than in front of a green screen.

To learn more about Congressman Sorensen’s continued advocacy on behalf of your community in Washington, visit his website here.

Congressman Eric Sorensen represents Illinois’ 17th District in the United States House of Representatives. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for more than 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.

###",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-introduces-legislation-prevent-veteran-suicides,Underwood Introduces Legislation to Prevent Veteran Suicides,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Lauren Underwood,U000040,underwood.house.gov,underwood,https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON— This week, Representatives Lauren Underwood and Mike Levin (CA-49) introduced legislation to address the veteran suicide crisis by expanding evidence-based lethal means safety training for all VA employees who regularly interact with veterans, as well as community care providers and family caregivers. Currently, clinical health care providers in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities are the only staff required to receive this training.

""The evidence is clear: supporting lethal means safety saves lives. The Lethal Means Safety Training Act will make sure that all VA employees and community partners who care for our veterans are equipped to help a veteran in crisis,"" said Representative Underwood. ""The Lethal Means Safety Act is an evidence-based approach that creates valuable time and space between a veteran at risk for suicide and potentially lethal means, a critical step for saving veterans' lives.""

“VA safety training programs provide VA employees with the tools they need to be successful, especially when discussing storage of firearms and medications with veterans, and they should be offered to anyone who wants to take them,” said Rep. Mike Levin. “This bill would expand lethal means safety training to ensure more VA employees, caregivers, and community care providers are able to guide veterans in secure storage and help save lives. I thank Rep. Underwood for her partnership on this bill and look forward to it moving through the legislative process.”

VA employees and contractors are essential partners in promoting evidence-based suicide prevention practices, such as lethal means safety, which is one of the few population-level interventions that reduce suicide rates. VA's training equips recipients for conversations with veterans about lethal means safety, helping them to create valuable time and space in the event of a crisis. According to VA researchers, ""for a veteran in crisis, lethal means safety during a critical period can make all the difference.""

The Lethal Means Safety Training Act also includes strong compliance and reporting requirements and requires VA to share its training resources with the general public for broader use. The Lethal Means Safety Training Act has been endorsed by Giffords, Brady United, and Everytown, and Walk the Talk America.

###",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-senate-democrats-call-on-hegseth-to-report-total-costs-of-iran-war,"Duckworth, Durbin, Senate Democrats Call on Hegseth to Report Total Costs of Iran War",2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and 43 of their colleagues, nearly the entire Democratic caucus, in sending a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, in demanding a full accounting of the costs of the ongoing war with Iran. The letter also criticized the Department of Defense for withholding basic budget information from Congress and the American public even as U.S. casualties and taxpayer costs continue to increase.

“Meanwhile, at home, American taxpayers have already paid an extra $100 billion out of their pockets for higher gas and diesel prices alone and at least another $60 billion in higher costs for things like groceries, mortgages, and plane tickets as a result of the war,” wrote the Senators. “Now you are asking that they pay again to fund a war of choice that Congress never authorized and the President launched with no strategic plan.”

The United States is now more than seven months into a conflict President Trump initially said would last six weeks. Eighteen American servicemembers have been killed and more than 820 wounded, and over 50,000 troops are currently deployed to the Middle East. In the letter, the Senators note that deployments, including for the USS Lincoln and the 82nd Airborne, have been repeatedly extended, and that their offices have heard directly from military families worried about loved ones serving in the conflict.

In their letter, the Senators highlight the contrast between the current Pentagon’s transparency record with past wartime practice, noting that Hegseth has briefed Congress only seven times in six months and held just eight Pentagon press briefings or interviews since the war began, compared to more than 70 press briefings in the first month of the Iraq War alone. The Senators also criticized the administration’s public supplemental funding request as a seven-page document offering only vague line items, in contrast to the detailed, hundred-page supplemental requests provided to Congress during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

The Senators are requesting that the Department of Defense provide:

A detailed breakdown of all direct and indirect costs of military operations against Iran to date, including damage to installations, aircraft and equipment.

A full accounting of the $67 billion supplemental request, specifying what covers past costs versus future operations.

A detailed plan for how the Pentagon intends to spend the remaining $34 billion from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

“Despite asking for tens of billions of additional taxpayer dollars, you have so far failed to provide basic information on how this money has and will be spent,” continued the Senators. “Congress must have access to this information to carry out our oversight responsibilities. It is the bare minimum that any American would expect in balancing their own household budget.”

Along with Duckworth, Durbin and Slotkin, the letter was co-signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael G. Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The full letter is available on Senator’s Duckworth’s website.

-30-",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://budzinski.house.gov/posts/budzinski-brings-home-22-million-in-federal-funding-for-central-and-southern-illinois-airports,Budzinski Brings Home $22 Million in Federal Funding for Central and Southern Illinois Airports,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Nikki Budzinski,B001315,budzinski.house.gov,budzinski,https://budzinski.house.gov/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced $22,928,305 in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding for St. Louis Downtown Airport and Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport. The federal grants will go towards several construction and safety-related upgrades at both airports.

“St. Louis Downtown Airport in Cahokia Heights and Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield play a critical role in providing regional air service for our district, but they’re in need of modernization to help better serve travelers and businesses,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I’m excited to announce more than $22 million in federal funding that will modernize infrastructure and implement necessary safety and infrastructure upgrades at these airports. These grants ensure our regional airports can continue to serve travelers and support local economic growth.”

The following projects will receive funding under the grants:

$11,839,322 for Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI): The funding will support the rehabilitation of 7,400 feet of Runway 13/31 to maintain its structural integrity, reduce foreign object debris, and extend the runway’s useful life. This grant will fund Phase 1 of the project, including lighting installation along 2,470 feet of runway.

$11,020,583 for St. Louis Downtown Airport (CPS): The funding will support improvements to Taxiway B to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. This grant will fund Phase 7 of the project, shifting 3,200 feet of Taxiway B between Taxiways B1 and B5 by 25 feet.

$68,400 for St. Louis Downtown Airport (CPS): The funding will be used to acquire 18 new vehicle movement area transponders, helping bring the airport into conformity with current safety standards.

“This is a critical community transportation infrastructure asset, and we are grateful for Representative Budzinski’s and the FAA’s continued support of this important project.” said Mark Hanna, Executive Director of the Springfield Airport Authority. “These discretionary awards are highly competitive, and this year’s award represents nearly ten times the Springfield Airport Authority’s typical annual allocation from the program. This extraordinary level of federal investment of airport improvement funds reflects the importance of maintaining the airport’s infrastructure and ensuring Runway 13-31 remains a safe and reliable air transportation asset for our community and the region.”

“St. Louis Downtown Airport is grateful for Representative Budzinski’s continued support of the airport as an important transportation asset serving the region and contributing to our economy. The funding announced will support our ongoing Taxiway Bravo project, which is essential to maintaining a safe and efficient operating environment while also helping to drive the airport’s continued growth,” said Sandra Shore, Airport Director of St. Louis Downtown Airport. “The additional grant for the acquisition of Vehicle Movement Area Transponders will further enhance operational safety by increasing the visibility of vehicles on the airport to Air Traffic Control and providing controllers with greater situational awareness. We appreciate Representative Budzinski’s continued commitment, as well as the support of the FAA for strengthening airport infrastructure and safety at St. Louis Downtown Airport.”

The grants are provided through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) Program, established through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The program provides $14.5 billion over five years for investments in runways, taxiways, safety and sustainability projects, terminals, airport transit connections and roadway projects.",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-meets-with-smart-td-leadership-about-funding-illinois-transit-projects,Durbin Meets With SMART-TD Leadership About Funding Illinois Transit Projects,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with Bob Guy, SMART-TD Illinois State Safety and Legislative Director, and other SMART-TD leaders, about the need for a robust surface transportation reauthorization to continue the critical funding programs and infrastructure projects supported by the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Durbin and SMART-TD also spoke about the need for greater rail safety measures.

“Our rail workers serve an integral role in our state’s economy, keeping our transit systems in top shape so they can deliver for riders. The federal government can do its part to support our union workers and our transit systems by pushing for a robust surface transportation reauthorization and greater rail safety improvements,” Durbin said.

Photos of the meeting are available here.

-30-",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-slams-trump-administration-for-pouring-money-into-the-defense-department-as-it-continues-to-cut-lifesaving-nih-funding,Durbin Slams Trump Administration For Pouring Money Into The Defense Department As It Continues To Cut Lifesaving NIH Funding,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"The agreement between DoD and NIH could transfer as much as $2 billion from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

WASHINGTON – Following an announced agreement to transfer funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to the Department of Defense (DoD), U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) slammed the Trump Administration for their misplaced priorities by seeking to divert lifesaving funding from the NIH to the Pentagon.

“There are a lot of issues that come before us in Congress, and there are a lot of political opinions on those issues. What I have found over the years is that there are few issues that transcend politics—medical research is one of those issues. It’s a situation where I don’t care if the researcher, scientist, or doctor is a Democrat or Republican, or even votes. I want to know if they are doing worthwhile research that can lead to cures [and] can save lives,” Durbin said.

Over the past decade, Durbin has pushed for annual five percent funding increases for NIH. Since Fiscal Year (FY) 2015, because of Durbin’s efforts, Congress has provided NIH with a 60 percent increase in annual funding, raising the appropriations level from $30 billion in FY2015 to $49 billion today. Last year, the President’s budget sought to cut NIH’s budget by 40 percent, or $18 billion. Thankfully, the Senate rejected that proposal and instead increased funding for the NIH. Unfortunately, due to President Trump’s continued attacks on medical research, this funding remains in jeopardy.

Durbin said, “The agreement sets up a path for the Department of Defense and the NIH to collaborate on chemical and biological defense research and development. That’s a good thing, isn’t it? Of course it is. But who is going to pay for it? Who’s going to pay for this research? The Department of Defense that has $1 trillion annual budget, or is it the NIH, an agency that struggles at $49 billion to fight off cuts in the budget proposed by the President? If you guessed the NIH, you’re right.”

The so-called agreement could direct as much as $2 billion from the NIH, specifically the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases [NIAID].

“Let’s be honest about what this is: a move to siphon funds away from the nation’s premier medical research agency, which struggles to fund lifesaving research, to bankroll the Pentagon, the most heavily funded agency in our government. By implementing this agreement, the Trump Administration will once again undermine the NIH when they should be boosting it,” Durbin continued.

President Trump has been adamant on gutting the NIH and medical research. For years, it was the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases that navigated our country through infectious disease threats and prevention. Unfortunately, this proposed plan to transfer as much as one-third of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases’ budget over to the Pentagon would undermine this important mission and leave us vulnerable to future infectious disease threats.

The Pentagon received nearly $840 billion in the FY2026 appropriations bill and another $150 billion from the Republican reconciliation bill, which also gave the Department extraordinary discretion over how to spend the funds. Compared to DoD, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases received barely $6.6 billion in the FY26 appropriations bill.

Durbin concluded, “For years, this investment in research at NIH has been worthwhile. This proposal to transfer one third of the agency’s [NIAID] budget on infectious diseases is a mistake. DoD is increasing its investments in medical research, and that’s a good thing… But we need to be committed all the way when it comes to funding NIH.”

Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available herefor TV Stations.

-30-",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-slams-trump-administration-for-withholding-air-traffic-controllers-pay-raise,Durbin Slams Trump Administration For Withholding Air Traffic Controllers’ Pay Raise,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"In April, Congress authorized a 3.8 percent pay raise for all air traffic controllers, but the Trump Administration is wrongfully delaying the implementation of the full raise

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today delivered a speech on the Senate floor condemning the Trump Administration for refusing to deliver air traffic controllers’ congressionally authorized 3.8 percent pay raise because Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford argued that more controller productivity needs to be “unlocked.” In his remarks, Durbin underscored that air traffic controllers play a critical role in keeping fliers safe and that withholding their promised pay raise only exacerbates the stressful conditions that air traffic controllers already face.

Durbin began his remarks by commending air traffic controllers on their commitment to the safety of air travelers. Despite Congress authorizing a 3.8 percent pay increase for air traffic controllers, they have only received the 1 percent pay increase authorized for all government employees.

“Later this afternoon, I’ll take an airplane ride from Washington to Chicago… Once again, as I’ve done thousands of times, I will entrust my safety and my future and my survival to a competent air crew, as well as the air traffic controllers of America. It is one of the most stressful jobs in the world. They work six-day weeks. Unfortunately, there’s been proposals that they should not receive the pay raise that was promised,” Durbin said.

The Trump Administration is directly responsible for withholding the promised pay raise, and Administration officials have gone so far as to publicly admit they are blocking its implementation.

“This wasn’t a mere oversight. It was intentional, and the Administration admitted it. In a recent interview, the FAA Administrator, Bryan Bedford, was asked what was delaying this payment to the air traffic controllers. He told the reporter, the Administration needs to ‘unlock more productivity,’ and that the data regarding controller productivity is ‘really, really poor,’” Durbin continued. “Well, I’d like to quote [Transportation] Secretary Duffy back to his own agency head by saying controllers ‘need support, and they need money.’”

Durbin concluded his remarks by calling on the Trump Administration to stop stalling and finally provide air traffic controllers with the pay raise they are owed.

“We currently are understaffed when it comes to air traffic controllers. They are working six days a week on the most stressful job. Give them the pay raise that we promised and do it in a timely fashion,” Durbin said.

Last month, Durbin and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) wrote to FAA Administrator Bedford, urging him to quickly approve the controller pay increase already approved by Congress.

Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available herefor TV Stations.

-30-",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://budzinski.house.gov/posts/budzinski-tonko-heinrich-introduce-legislation-to-ensure-federal-energy-investments-create-good-paying-union-jobs-and-benefit-workers-and-communities,"Budzinski, Tonko, Heinrich Introduce Legislation to Ensure Federal Energy Investments Create Good-Paying Union Jobs and Benefit Workers and Communities",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Nikki Budzinski,B001315,budzinski.house.gov,budzinski,https://budzinski.house.gov/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Representatives Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Paul Tonko (NY-21) introduced the Good Energy Jobs Act, legislation that ensures federal investments in America’s energy future create good-paying union jobs, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and deliver meaningful benefits to the communities where projects are built.

The Good Energy Jobs Act would codify labor and community-benefit standards that the Department of Energy (DOE) has used as conditions for certain federal financial assistance, ensuring that taxpayer-supported energy projects provide tangible benefits to American workers and communities.

“If we want to build the next generation of American energy infrastructure, we need to empower the union men and women who are going to build it. This legislation ensures that workers are paid family-sustaining wages and have a fair shot at organizing, while also ensuring that projects drive local economic development on the front-end through clear, binding commitments,” said Budzinski. “I’m honored to lead this bill with Congressman Tonko and Ranking Member Heinrich and proud to have the support of so many labor unions who see the impact this bill will have on America’s workforce and the communities their members call home.”

“I’ve always believed that investing in people and communities is the surest way to strengthen our economy,” Tonko said. “Our Good Energy Jobs Act takes that principle to heart, building on the successes of our Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act with strong labor standards that create good-paying, union jobs and drive community development. Our legislation envisions a future where the Department of Energy isn’t just an ATM for project developers, but a partner in building a more prosperous economy for everyone. I’m thankful to my colleagues for standing with me to introduce this legislation, and urge Congress to join us in advancing this commonsense bill.”

DOE investments and financial assistance have helped catalyze significant private investment in energy projects across the country, establishing strong labor standards and community benefit plans. The Good Energy Jobs Act would make these standards permanent by codifying labor and community benefit requirements for energy jobs by mandating that DOE financial assistance supports high-quality jobs, broad community benefits, domestic manufacturing, and investments in small and disadvantaged communities.

The Good Energy Jobs Act:

Applies prevailing wage and registered apprenticeships requirements to construction, maintenance, and repair projects that use DOE funding.

Requires community benefit plans that support initiatives like workforce training, local hiring, union partnerships, and direct commitments to nearby communities and residents.

Prohibits offshoring the manufacture of products developed or commercialized using DOE assistance.

Ensures a significant portion of federal energy funding benefits small or disadvantaged communities.

Senator Martin Heirich (D-NM), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, is leading companion legislation in the Senate.“My dad was an IBEW lineman, and he spent his career helping keep the lights on for our community. His union job gave him the ability to provide for our family, buy a home, and give my siblings and me opportunities that neither of my parents had growing up. That’s what a good energy job can do: it doesn’t just power our homes and our economy — it can power the American dream,” said Heinrich. “That’s why, when we invest taxpayer dollars in America’s energy future, those investments should create good-paying jobs, strengthen American manufacturing, and deliver real benefits to the communities where projects are built. My Good Energy Jobs Act builds on what has worked by making sure federal energy investments benefit the workers who build these projects and the communities that host them — not just the companies developing them.”

The Good Energy Jobs Act is endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), Industrial Division of the Communications Workers of America (IUE-CWA), United Steelworkers (USW), International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART), Iron Workers International, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA), BlueGreen Alliance, National Wildlife Federation (NWF), League of Conservation Voters (LCV), Sierra Club, and ReImagine Appalachia.

“Too often Washington fails to consider workers when making decisions on how federal dollars are spent. Fortunately, the Good Energy Jobs Act makes clear that the money Congress spends is accountable to the taxpayers. This legislation builds on the legacy begun under the Investing in America agenda by requiring Department of Energy investments to include real enforceable labor standards, like Project Labor Agreements, prevailing wage, and neutrality. These standards ensure that workers who are building our nation’s energy infrastructure can support their families and communities. On behalf of IBEW’s over 900,000 members, I thank Senator Heinrich and Reps. Budzinski and Tonko for standing with working families and introducing the Good Energy Jobs Act,” said Kenneth W. Cooper, President of the IBEW.

“LIUNA is proud to support the Good Jobs Act of 2026. By building on the proven labor standards established under the Inflation Reduction Act, this legislation will help ensure federal energy investments create good, family-sustaining union careers. Project Labor Agreements, registered apprenticeships, and prevailing wages strengthen our workforce, our industry, and the communities where these projects are built. We thank Senator Heinrich and Reps. Budzinski and Tonko for their leadership and steadfast commitment to America’s working families,” said Brent Booker, General President of LIUNA.

“The transition to clean energy offers an opportunity to strengthen our communities, build a domestic manufacturing supply chain, and create good union jobs supporting families across the United States. But we cannot reach this goal if green energy manufacturing depends on foreign production or if workers face union-busting and poor job conditions,” said Carl Kennebrew, President of the IUE-CWA. We appreciate Senator Heinrich and Representatives Tonko and Budzinski for taking a positive step with their ‘Good Energy Jobs Act of 2026’ which ensures clean-energy investments lead to good union jobs, stronger local communities, and true Made-in-America green energy.”

“As a nation, we should ensure that whenever possible, our tax dollars go toward creating good-paying, family supporting jobs, especially the billions of dollars in taxpayer support the Department of Energy provides companies across the country. Our union proudly supports the Good Energy Jobs Act, which builds on existing labor standards and community benefit agreements to improve the lives and communities of the workers who power America,” said Roxanne Brown, President of the USW.

“The Good Energy Jobs Act provides crucial support to create a skilled workforce and an engaged community.” said Jason Walsh, Executive Director of BlueGreen Alliance. “Community support and workforce development are fundamental to a high-quality and efficient build out of our grid. This bill is exactly the kind of legislation our nation needs to get more energy projects done while demand is at an all-time high.”

“The Good Energy Jobs Act would require that federal clean energy spending creates meaningful protections for workers and tangible benefits for communities,” said Shannon Heyck-Williams, Associate Vice President of Climate and Energy at NWF. “We need to quickly return to building our clean energy future for people and wildlife, and we need to make sure these investments benefit the people who are building the projects and those who are living with them.”

“LCV is proud to support Rep. Tonko, Rep. Budzinski, and Sen. Heinrich’s Good Energy Jobs Act because federal investments into clean, affordable energy infrastructure should provide high-quality jobs and meaningful benefits to communities hosting these projects. This bill ensures that public dollars go towards building good, family-supporting jobs and strengthening domestic manufacturing. Thank you, Rep. Tonko, Rep. Budzinski, and Sen. Heinrich for introducing legislation that ensures clean, affordable energy keeps delivering myriad benefits to communities, including reducing emissions and costs for ratepayers, creating jobs, strengthening domestic manufacturing, and driving investments across the country,” said Matthew Davis, Vice President of Federal Policy at the LCV.

Additionally, North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), California Forward, and Data for Progress support the bill.

“At a time where our nation is experiencing unprecedented energy demand, the Good Energy Jobs Act is a huge step in the right direction towards ensuring that the working men and women who build our communities are protected and supported by the federal government. The proposals in this legislation will aid in constructing projects in a timely and safe manner all while benefitting local communities,” said Sean McGarvey, President of NABTU.

“We are in a moment where diversifying our economy to build energy sources beyond fossil fuels is critical to our security, competitiveness, and fiscal stability. By attaching labor and community standards to public dollars, the Good Energy Jobs Act ensures that new clean energy projects will be built faster, better, and with strong and tangible benefits for the places in which they are sited. That’s not just good for these projects today; it’s good for Americans long into the future,” said Kate Gordon, CEO of California Forward.

“We see consistently in our polling that voters don’t just want clean energy development — they want clean energy development that will actually benefit their communities,” said Ryan O’Donnell, Executive Director of Data for Progress. “Wage standards, community benefits, and the right to unionize are all popular requirements that build local buy-in while helping address the cost-of-living crisis facing Americans right now.”

A fact sheet of the bill is here.

A section-by-section summary of the bill is here.

The full text of the bill is here.

###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-whitehouse-introduce-legislation-to-restore-epas-core-mission,"Casten, Whitehouse Introduce Legislation to Restore EPA’s Core Mission",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Sean Casten,C001117,casten.house.gov,casten,https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Sean Casten (IL-06) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced the Environmental Health Restoration Act, legislation to restore and strengthen the Environmental Protection Agency’s core mission to protect public health, the environment, and the climate.

The lawmakers introduced the bill just days after the Trump Administration’s EPA finalized the repeal of major greenhouse gas standards for coal- and gas-fired power plants and moved to eliminate remaining federal climate pollution requirements for the power sector.

“At a time when the Trump Administration is ignoring the climate crisis and undermining Americans’ ability to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and enjoy the outdoors, it is more important than ever to restore a commitment to science-based environmental protection at the EPA,” said Rep. Casten. “The EPA was created to protect public health and our environment. I’m proud to introduce this legislation to refocus the agency on its core mission.”

“The Trump EPA has fully abandoned its decades-long duty to protect Americans’ health and safety. Its relentless attacks on science have delivered for big political donors while poisoning our air and water and speeding up the climate crisis,” said Sen. Whitehouse. “Our bill would jumpstart the long process of restoring the science, the scientists, and the original mission guiding the EPA.”

On Wednesday, September 16th, Rep. Casten and Sen. Whitehouse hosted a press conference with Protect Our Winters and Olympic athletes to highlight the bill's importance and the need to protect the great outdoors.

“As an Olympian training in the mountains all over the world, I’ve seen less and less snow, glaciers shrinking at a not-so-glacial pace, and volatile air quality,” said Tommy Ford, three-time Olympian and World Cup Champion. “This directly affects our community’s health and economy. A stronger, more durable EPA is essential for clean air, clean water and a strong, healthy community.”

“Rolling back environmental protections has real consequences for the places and experiences that define the outdoor community,” said Ben Gubits, Vice President of Campaigns at POW. “It means dirtier air, greater climate pollution, more threats to public health and accelerating damage to our winters, waterways and public lands. The Environmental Health Restoration Act draws a clear line, the EPA must follow science, enforce the law and put people ahead of polluters. This is a positive vision for the future looking well beyond the Trump years.”

The Environmental Health Restoration Act responds to recent deregulatory actions that have weakened or delayed protections governing air pollution, water quality, greenhouse gas emissions and environmental enforcement. It would reaffirm Congress’s intent that the EPA follow science, regulate harmful pollution, and protect communities from environmental harm.

The Environmental Health Restoration Act would:

Restore key protections for pollution from power plants, vehicles, and oil and gas operations that were in effect on January 19, 2025.

Require EPA decisions to be grounded in peer-reviewed science and restore independent scientific advisory bodies.

Rebuild the agency’s civil and criminal enforcement capacity and require annual accountability reporting to Congress.

Prioritize monitoring and enforcement in communities facing disproportionate pollution burdens.

Require public-health and cumulative-impact analyses for EPA actions affecting air and water quality.

Preserve states’ ability to adopt environmental standards stronger than federal requirements.

Allow people harmed by the EPA’s failure to comply with the law to seek relief in federal court.

The legislation is endorsed by Protect Our Winters and the League of Conservation Voters.

Text of the legislation can be found here.

###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/con-apoyo-del-congresista-garcia-el-aeropuerto-midway-recibir-55-millones,"Con Apoyo del Congresista García, el Aeropuerto Midway Recibir $5.5 Millones",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,"Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García",G000586,chuygarcia.house.gov,chuygarcia,https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CHICAGO — El Congresista Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), miembro del Comité de Transporte e Infraestructura de la Cámara de Representantes, anunció hoy que el Aeropuerto Internacional Midway de Chicago (MDW), ubicado en su distrito congresional, recibirá 5,475,808 dólares en fondos federales para mejoras y la reconstrucción de pistas de rodaje y pavimentación. La subvención fue otorgada por la Administración Federal de Aviación (FAA) del Departamento de Transporte de los EE. UU. como parte del Programa de Mejora de Aeropuertos, el cual financia proyectos de infraestructura aeroportuaria tales como pistas, pistas de rodaje, señalización, iluminación y marcas en el pavimento. “El Aeropuerto Midway es un importante centro de viajes nacionales para el Medio Oeste y una fuente de empleo para los residentes de mi distrito”, dijo el Congresista García. “Los fondos de esta subvención permitirán que siga atendiendo a los viajeros de manera segura y eficiente, para que continúe siendo una opción atractiva para quienes viajan hacia y desde Chicago. Me enorgullece haber apoyado para conseguir estos recursos”.

# # #",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-garcia-secures-55-million-for-midway-airport,Congressman García Secures $5.5 Million for Midway Airport,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,"Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García",G000586,chuygarcia.house.gov,chuygarcia,https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CHICAGO — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, announced today that Chicago’s Midway International Airport (MDW), located in his Congressional District, will receive $5,475,808 in federal grant funding for improvements and reconstruction of paved taxiways and pavements.

The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration as part of the Airport Improvement Program which funds airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, airport signage, airport lighting, and airport markings.

“Midway Airport is a major domestic travel hub for the Midwest and a source of employment for constituents in my district,” said Congressman García. “The funds from this grant will allow it to continue serving travelers safely and efficiently so it can continue to be an attractive option for people traveling to and from Chicago. I am proud to have worked to secure it.”

# # #",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-lee-introduce-bill-protect-student-data-far-left-voter-operations,"Miller, Lee Introduce Bill To Protect Student Data From Far-Left Voter Operations",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) introduced the Student Voter Data Protection Act to protect college students’ personal information from being shared without their consent for partisan voter registration efforts. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) is leading the legislation in the Senate.

The bill amends the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to explicitly prohibit private student data from being shared for voter registration efforts without the student’s consent and establishes an opt-in standard for such disclosures.

“The Student Voter Data Protection Act puts a hard stop to Left-wing data harvesting, making student data strictly opt-in and cutting off the pipeline to non-consensual personal information,” said Congresswoman Miller. “I am proud to lead this effort in the House alongside Senator Mike Lee to stand up for our students' basic privacy rights.”

""Partisan organizations should not have access to college students' personal data under the guise of civic engagement,"" said Senator Lee. ""Our bill closes the loopholes that allow institutions to disregard the consent of their students. If leftist groups want a student’s info for electioneering, they can do it the old fashioned way: standing on campus with a clipboard.""

The Student Voter Data Protection Act would:",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-casar-reintroduce-legislation-ensure-federal-contractors-treat,"Schakowsky, Casar Reintroduce Legislation to Ensure Federal Contractors Treat Workers Fairly",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Janice D. Schakowsky,S001145,schakowsky.house.gov,schakowsky,https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Full Text of Bill (PDF)

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Greg Casar (TX-35) reintroduced the Patriotic Corporations of America Act, legislation to ensure federal taxpayer dollars support companies that treat their workers fairly, respect workers’ rights, protect the environment, and pay their fair share.

The legislation would establish high-road standards for companies seeking federal contracts, requiring contractors to meet baseline standards on wages, workers’ rights, and environmental responsibility. It would also give preference in the federal contracting process to companies that demonstrate strong records on collective bargaining, retirement benefits, CEO-to-worker pay ratios, and diversity in leadership.

“Taxpayer dollars should help create good jobs and strengthen communities, not reward corporations that cut corners at the expense of working people,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “If a company wants to do business with the federal government, it should be held to a higher standard. Our legislation makes clear that federal contracts should go to companies that respect their workers, protect their rights, pay their fair share, and invest in the communities they serve.”

""Taxpayer dollars shouldn't bankroll corporations that bust unions, dodge taxes, and replace workers with AI,"" said Congressman Greg Casar. ""The Patriotic Corporations of America Act sets a simple rule: if you want a federal contract, you have to do right by working people. Anything less is not patriotic, and not acceptable.""

""The AFL-CIO welcomes the introduction of the Patriotic Corporations of America Act of 2026 that would guarantee that U.S. taxpayer dollars go to employers that are headquartered in the United States, play by the rules, ensure fair wages and treat workers with respect,"" said AFL-CIO Policy Director Candace Archer. ""We applaud Representatives Jan Schakowsky and Greg Casar for introducing this important legislation that will promote family- and community-sustaining jobs right here at home.""

Under the Patriotic Corporations of America Act, companies would be required to meet standards including:

Pay Fair Wages: Pay workers at least $15 per hour or 110 percent of the federal minimum wage, whichever is higher.

Commit to Unions: Agree to remain neutral during union organizing campaigns and not hire replacement workers or close a business in response to a work stoppage.

Respect Workers’ Rights: Demonstrate that the company has not been found in violation of, or settled claims involving, workers’ labor rights.

Protect the Environment: Demonstrate that the company has not paid a penalty or settled a claim involving an EPA violation in the previous five years.

The bill would also give preference in the federal contracting process to companies that:

Maintain a CEO-to-median-worker pay ratio of no more than 100-to-1.

Contribute at least 5% of payroll to a portable pension fund.

Have a collective bargaining agreement with their workers.

Have women and people of color make up at least 40% of top executives and board members.

###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-opposes-effort-give-trump-broader-tariff-authority,SCHNEIDER OPPOSES EFFORT TO GIVE TRUMP BROADER TARIFF AUTHORITY,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Bradley Scott Schneider,S001190,schneider.house.gov,schneider,https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10), a member of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, voted against giving President Trump more power to capriciously abuse tariff authority and arbitrarily threaten allies. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act would grant the President power to enact more sweeping tariffs without Congressional approval and raise costs on American households by thousands of dollars.

“I will always support Ukraine and the Ukrainian people’s fight against Russia’s illegal invasion. I have consistently called on Congress and the President to do more to help Ukraine,” said Schneider. “Sadly, President Trump has not responded. If the President had any interest in imposing sanctions on Russia and supporting the Ukrainian people, he already has the necessary authority and power to do so. Yet, after nearly twenty months in office, he’s stubbornly refused to use that power.

“The President, however, abused his power to attack our important allies and trading powers,” Schneider continued. “The Supreme Court was crystal clear — the authority to impose tariffs belongs to Congress, not the President. Trump’s costly tariffs have already cost hardworking Americans thousands of dollars, further burdening families’ already stretched budgets. The American people need relief, but Republicans don’t have a plan for that. Instead, they are letting Trump continue to run rampant and impose tariffs.

“We can and will continue to support Ukraine and the Ukrainian people and hold Russia accountable. But we will not be duped into handing Trump more tariff power to abuse,” concluded Schneider. “Power that he will almost certainly use to give himself more leverage to raise costs on hardworking American families and damage relationships with our allies. I will continue working to both rein in Trump’s trade war and lower costs and pursue comprehensive strategies to push back against Putin’s regime and uphold democracy for the people of Ukraine.”

Rep. Schneider has introduced multiple pieces of legislation to rein in Trump’s cost-raising tariffs including the Repealing Outdated and Unilateral Tariff Authorities Act and BAD DEAL Act. Rep. Schneider is also a cosponsor of H.Res. 155 reaffirming the United States unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and independence and voted for supplemental security funding for Ukraine in 2024.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-sorensen-applauds-passage-bipartisan-legislation-key-step-towards,Congressman Sorensen Applauds Passage of Bipartisan Legislation as Key Step Towards Bringing $25 Million+ in Federal Funding to IL-17,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Eric Sorensen,S001225,sorensen.house.gov,sorensen,https://sorensen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) announced he voted to pass the 2026 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), critical bipartisan legislation which serves as a step towards bringing federal funding for several water resource and flood control project to Illinois’s 17th Congressional District. When the process is complete, over $25 million in federal funding could come to the district as well as renewed support from United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for future evaluations, surveys, and other projects across IL-17.

“Our neighbors should never have to wonder if the water they’re drinking is clean or worry their sewer system could back-up at a moment’s notice,” said Congressman Sorensen. “I’m glad that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle could join together, advance this critical legislation, and forge a path toward making a real difference in our communities. But the work doesn’t end here, and I look forward to working with everyone to ensure these transformative projects go from plans and dreams to shovels in the ground.”

The most recent WRDA, the Water Resources Development Act of 2024, was signed into law on January 4, 2025. Congress has enacted a bipartisan WRDA every two years since 2014, making the upcoming bill the seventh consecutive bipartisan WRDA.

Included in this package are authorizations for the following projects:

$15 million for a clearwell replacement in East Moline:

Funding would replace a deteriorating clearwell, which is a critical tool used to disinfect drinking water during the last stage of the purification process. This project has been classified as an emergency by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency because the city does not have a backup clearwell which provides potable water to over 21,000 residents, and approximately 415 businesses including John Deere World Headquarters.

$8 million for water treatment plant and water supply infrastructure improvements in South Pekin:

Funding would replace watermains throughout the community. Upgrading mains will remove current levels of manganese and eliminate the associated health risks currently exposed to the community. Without this additional assistance, the village will have to increase residential water bills by $50 per household for the next 40 years, resulting in a 300% increase in families’ water bills.

$1.5 million for Linn St lift station replacement in Port Byron:

Funding would replace a deteriorating, over 80-year-old sanitary sewer lift station. Doing so will help prevent sewer backups and potential release of untreated sewer water, contaminating impacted residences and businesses.

$1 million for a sewer relocation and water infrastructure replacement project in Shannon:

Funding would relocate their sanitary system and replace an old and failing watermain segment and culvert which serves a large portion of the village’s residents and local businesses. If left unreplaced, a failure would create an immediate public health hazard, including the risk of sewage backups and uncontrolled discharge impacting nearby residents and the environment.

The bill also contains:

New language directing the USACE to support the Big Island Local Flood Protection Project:

Also known as the Big Island River Conservancy District located in Milan, Illinois.

New language directs the USACE to evaluate the town’s ability to afford the studies and work needed to address their failing levee or provide a better cost-share structure. Should the levee fail, many households and a nearby village—which provides emergency services to the region—will be underwater.

A $7 million funding pool for projects in Rockford:

Funding could potentially be used for infrastructure upgrades and maintenance projects.

The 2026 WRDA contains authorizations for numerous projects across the country; however, this legislation does not appropriate any federal dollars. For more information on the federal budget and appropriations process, visit this webpage from the Congressional Research Service here.

Additionally, this legislation contains language that could potentially transfer jobs from the United States Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters at Rock Island Arsenal (USACE-RIA HQ), something Congressman Sorensen is deeply opposed to.

“While it remains unclear what the exact impact will be on USACE-RIA HQ and our Quad Cities communities, I’m deeply disappointed this provision was included in a bill designed to do so much good for our region,” continued Sorensen. “I believe the projects supported in this legislation make a compelling case for our continued support of USACE-RIA HQ, and I will continue to be a strong advocate for it in Congress.”

To learn more about Congressman Sorensen’s continued advocacy on behalf of your community in Washington, visit his website here.

Congressman Eric Sorensen represents Illinois’ 17th District in the United States House of Representatives. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for more than 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.

###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-blackburn-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-emergency-communication-technology-that-could-help-save-lives-passes-committee,Duckworth-Blackburn Bipartisan Bill to Improve Emergency Communication Technology That Could Help Save Lives Passes Committee,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) passed bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) that would improve emergency communication technology that could help save lives. The bipartisan ITS Codification Act would codify the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS), which currently serves as the research and engineering laboratory at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and require ITS to develop emergency communication and tracking technologies to help locate trapped individuals in confined spaces where conventional radio communication is limited. The House companion bill, led by U.S. Representatives “Buddy” Carter (R-GA-01) and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-7), passed the House by voice vote in July 2025. The legislation will now be considered by the full Senate.

“When people are in crisis and find themselves trapped in confined spaces, how quickly our first responders are able to conduct search and rescue often depends on these workers’ access to modern, reliable technology to save precious time,” said Duckworth. “Now that our bipartisan legislation has passed committee, the Senate must pass it swiftly so we can help ensure our first responders have the technology they need to save lives.”

“America’s leadership in wireless technology depends on making the most efficient use of our spectrum resources,” said Blackburn. “The ITS Codification Act will strengthen the research and engineering capabilities that help us identify new opportunities for spectrum sharing, support commercial innovation, and protect critical federal missions. This bill also helps ensure our first responders have access to reliable, cutting-edge communications technology when every second counts. I’m pleased the Commerce Committee advanced this bipartisan legislation, and I look forward to seeing it move quickly through the Senate.”

This legislation comes at a time when Illinois leads the United States in the most tornado reports in 2026 by a wide margin. The bill would help expedite recovery efforts for those impacted by events such as tornadoes, who may get trapped in rubble left from fallen buildings. The technology provided by the ITS Codification Act would help locate tornado victims, along with other victims of natural disasters, or crises such as underground mining accidents.

-30-",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-delivers-opening-statement-during-senate-judiciary-committee-nominations-hearing1,Durbin Delivers Opening Statement During Senate Judiciary Committee Nominations Hearing,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – During today’s Senate Judiciary Committee nominations hearing, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered an opening statement in which he slammed President Trump and the Trump Administration for the blatant weaponization and politicization of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Today’s Committee hearing will consider the nominations of Daniel Ballou, to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Richard Bennett, to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas; Courtney Coker, to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas; Trevor Pemberton, to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma; Kyle Reardon, to the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska; and Zachary West, to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

Key Quotes:

“Historically, the Justice Department has been afforded a presumption of regularity, meaning that courts presume that an [Assistant U.S. Attorney’s] representations can be trusted—deference not afforded to many private litigants.”

“But the Justice Department under this President and Attorney General has upended this presumption of regularity by weaponizing the Department of Justice to protect the President and his followers and target anyone who dares to cross him.”

“As a result, federal judges across the country, even those appointed by Presidents of the Republican Party, have found that the Justice Department has made misrepresentations to the court—an egregious act for any officer of the court, let alone a federal prosecutor. From January 2025 to March 2026, judges in at least 90 cases stated on the record that they distrusted the Justice Department’s representations.”

“With the midterms fast approaching, the Trump Administration is using the vast resources of the Justice Department to politicize the agency and interfere with the election. Look no further than Attorney General Blanche’s speech last week at the Republican midterm convention in Texas, the first time a sitting attorney general has spoken at a party convention in decades. Instead of avoiding partisan rallies or any actions that that could create the impression of interfering in the electoral process, the Attorney General did just the opposite.”

“The Justice Department has sued 30 states seeking unredacted voter lists, including personal information like driver’s license numbers and partial Social Security numbers, all in an attempt to prove there is widespread voter fraud that has never been established.”

“After not winning a single case and losing 23 of them, President Trump and Attorney General Blanche have turned in their desperation to intimidating state election officials and voters—even at polling sites.”

“Just weeks ago, DOJ election monitors showed up unannounced at polling locations in Wyoming during primary elections, trying to interview voters and examining voting machines.”

“At a time when DOJ has upended norms and traditions so drastically that it has lost the presumption of regularity in many courtrooms, it is more important than ever that the federal judiciary hold this weaponized agency to account. I hope the nominees before us today can demonstrate that they will do that by putting the rule of law above partisan politics.”

Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations.

-30-",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-honored-by-healing-our-waters-great-lakes-coalition,Durbin Honored By Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"The organization presented Durbin with artwork in recognition of his decades of work to protect the Great Lakes

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, an organization made up of more than 200 environmental, conservation, outdoor-recreation, and community organizations focused on restoring and protecting our Great Lakes. During their meeting, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition presented Durbin with an art piece in recognition of his decades of work to protect the Great Lakes.

Durbin reflected on his work with the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), which has provided more than $4 billion in the past 16 years for projects that restore habitat, fight invasive species, clean up toxic pollution, and reduce pollution runoff. Because of the Initiative’s advocacy, Illinois has received more than $300 million in federal funding for nearly 300 projects.

“The Great Lakes is one of the Midwest’s most valuable resources, and I take seriously the commitment to preserve its beauty,” Durbin said. “I’m grateful to the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition for being my partner in championing projects like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to protect the Great Lakes for future generations to enjoy.”

A photo from the meeting is available here.

-30-",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-meets-with-united-counties-council-of-illinois,Durbin Meets With United Counties Council Of Illinois,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) yesterday met with the United Counties Council of Illinois (UCCI)—a delegation of roughly 40 county-elected officials—to discuss the importance of expanding access to SNAP benefits, measures to ensure Social Security solvency, and the implications of data centers throughout Illinois. During the meeting, Durbin and UCCI members spoke about the importance of a robust surface transportation reauthorization to ensure that Illinois transportation projects funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act can continue.

“Our government is at its best when our local, state, and federal officials are working together. I hosted county officials from across Illinois for a conversation about how our federal government can support counties in achieving our shared goals,” Durbin said.

Photos of the meeting is available here.

Counties with representatives at the meeting include:

Bond County

Boone County

Bureau County

Calhoun County

Champaign County

Henry County

Iroquois County

Jackson County

Jasper County

Jefferson County

Kane County

Kankakee County

Kendall County

Lee County

Livingston County

Logan County

Madison County

Ogle County

Peoria County

Saline County

Stephenson County

Will County

Williamson County

-30-",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-questions-judicial-nominees-during-senate-judiciary-committee-hearing1,Durbin Questions Judicial Nominees During Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned judicial nominees during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.

Durbin first questioned Judge Daniel Ballou, nominated to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, about his concerning comments involving specialty courts. Judge Ballou called specialty courts, such as drug courts, “social engineering,” and claimed they were “doing great harm by validating and encouraging excuse making and promoting a lack of accountability.” During his questioning, Durbin noted he disagrees with Judge Ballou’s views on specialty courts. Department of Justice and Government Accountability Office research has shown that drug treatment courts significantly reduce recidivism, save costs for the criminal justice system, and reduce drug use.

“Can you explain that [Judge Ballou’s past statements on specialty courts]?” Durbin asked.

Judge Ballou doubled down on his previous comments about specialty courts and noted they are “avenues for excuse makings.”

Durbin then asked Judge Trevor Pemberton, nominated to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, and Zachary West, nominated to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, about their anti-abortion records.

In 2022 and 2023, Mr. West defended Oklahoma’s draconian abortion restrictions before the Oklahoma Supreme Court—including limitations on medication abortion and a law that would have prohibited nearly all abortions, even if the life of the mother was at stake. Judge Pemberton called this same Oklahoma Supreme Court decision, where a woman has a right to terminate her pregnancy to preserve her life, “remarkably troubling.”

“Can you explain today your thoughts on that issue—and whether there should be an exception to save the life of the pregnant mother?” Durbin asked.

Mr. West deflected Durbin’s question by stating the topic of abortion is a “political debate.”

“Judge Pemberton, you said that you found that decision by the Oklahoma Supreme Court [that a woman has a right to terminate her pregnancy] to preserve her life to be ‘remarkably troubling.’ Is that your view today?” Durbin asked.

Like Mr. West, Judge Pemberton deflected noting that as a judicial nominee, he could not comment on abortion.

Durbin then asked Judge Pemberton about his record advocating against tribal sovereignty.

“Could you please state your position or at least whether you will follow precedent when it comes to tribal sovereignty?” Durbin asked.

Despite his record, Judge Pemberton responded that he is not opposed to tribal sovereignty.

Video of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available herefor TV Stations.

-30-",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-blasts-florida-councilmans-latest-anti-indian-attack,Krishnamoorthi Blasts Florida Councilman’s Latest Anti-Indian Attack,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Raja Krishnamoorthi,K000391,krishnamoorthi.house.gov,krishnamoorthi,https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today responded to Palm Bay, Florida City Councilman Chandler Langevin after Langevin wrote, “I won Rajesh. Take your curry and go home,” the latest in a series of attacks he has directed at Congressman Krishnamoorthi, Indians, and Indian Americans.

“I’m staying. So is the curry. America is my home. No bigot gets to decide who is American, who belongs here, or what they have for dinner. That’s the America I’ll always fight for,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi.",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-statement-russia-sanctions-bill,Quigley Statement on Russia Sanctions Bill,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Mike Quigley,Q000023,quigley.house.gov,quigley,https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Chicago Congressman and Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Mike Quigley (IL-05) released the following statement after voting yes on the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation to pressure Russia into reaching a peace agreement with Ukraine. The bill passed on a bipartisan basis by a vote of 262-159.

“As Ukrainian and Russian officials continue to work toward a peace agreement, the United States must do everything in its power to back Ukraine and pressure Russia to end its invasion. I have said again and again that Vladimir Putin will not end his war until he is forced to feel the pain of his invasion.

“Chicago is home to one of the largest Ukrainian American populations in the nation, and I have met with hundreds of people who have lost loved ones to Russia’s invasion or been forced to flee their homeland. I have seen the mass graves from Russian massacres and hidden in bunkers as Russian bombs rained on Kyiv. I am deeply dedicated to helping the people of Ukraine, defending Ukrainian sovereignty, and blocking Putin’s expansionist goals.

“I supported this bill to further those aims and bring us closer to the end of Russia’s war. This was an important first step, but what Ukraine needs now is more than just symbolic support. They need weapons and economic support, and Trump needs to put the full support of the United States government behind Ukraine. Next year, I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that happens.”",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-joins-bipartisan-letter-led-senators-durbin-and-duckworth-urging,SCHNEIDER JOINS BIPARTISAN LETTER LED BY SENATORS DURBIN AND DUCKWORTH URGING PRESIDENT TRUMP TO GRANT MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION FOR ILLINOIS COUNTIES FOLLOWING SEVERE WEATHER,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Bradley Scott Schneider,S001190,schneider.house.gov,schneider,https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) joined a bipartisan letter led by U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth with all members of the Illinois delegation urging the White House to grant Governor JB Pritzker’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration authorizing federal assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA), to help Champaign, Cook, Ford, Fulton, McLean, Tazewell, Vermilion, and Will Counties recover from severe storm damage. During the period of August 11-16, severe storms—including tornadoes, straight-line winds, and a derecho—crossed the state, resulting in serious damage to Illinoisans’ homes and businesses.

Today’s letter comes after the Trump Administration twice rejected FEMA aid for Illinois storm victims impacted by severe weather in summer 2025. The Trump Administration offered no serious justification for the repeated rejections. In their letter, the lawmakers request immediate support for Illinois for August’s storms, emphasizing that the severity of damage justifies swift assistance from the federal government. Notably, FEMA has already approved a major disaster declaration request from the Indiana state government for the same storm system, which swept through both Illinois and Indiana in August.

“We write in support of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s request for federal assistance for the State of Illinois to help eight Illinois counties recover from severe storm damage that occurred from August 11-16, 2026,” wrote the lawmakers.

“Governor Pritzker has indicated that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that an effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and local governments. We support his request for authorization of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance (IA) and Public Assistance (PA)in the impacted counties, and Hazard Mitigation statewide. Additionally, we support his request for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) physical and economic injury disaster declaration for the affected counties. This would enable low interest SBA disaster loans, including physical and economic injury loans, to support affected individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations,” the lawmakers wrote.

“The initial weather system on August 11 resulted in a derecho across Northern Illinois, producing widespread winds of 70 mph and eight tornadoes with peak winds near 115 mph. Follow-on storms repeatedly struck the same regions with severe weather, exacerbating the wind damage and resulting in historic levels of rainfall in some counties. All eight counties experienced significant damage from downed trees, power outages, and flooding,” the lawmakers wrote. “Subsequent damage has impacted homeowners, businesses, roadways, and infrastructure. As such, the Governor seeks timely federal assistance from FEMA and SBA.”

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Mr. President:

We write in support of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s request for federal assistance for the State of Illinois to help eight Illinois counties recover from severe storm damage that occurred from August 11-16, 2026. Specifically, he requests a Major Disaster Declaration for Champaign, Cook, Ford, Fulton, McLean, Tazewell, Vermilion, and Will Counties.

Governor Pritzker has indicated that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that an effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and local governments. We support his request for authorization of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance (IA) and Public Assistance (PA)in the impacted counties, and Hazard Mitigation statewide. Additionally, we support his request for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) physical and economic injury disaster declaration for the affected counties. This would enable low interest SBA disaster loans, including physical and economic injury loans, to support affected individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations.

During the August 11-16, 2026, period, a multi-day severe weather episode passed through Champaign, Cook, Ford, Fulton, McLean, Tazewell, Vermilion, and Will Counties, resulting in multiple rounds of severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding. The initial weather system on August 11 resulted in a derecho across Northern Illinois, producing widespread winds of 70 mph and eight tornadoes with peak winds near 115 mph. Follow-on storms repeatedly struck the same regions with severe weather, exacerbating the wind damage and resulting in historic levels of rainfall in some counties. All eight counties experienced significant damage from downed trees, power outages, and flooding. Subsequent damage has impacted homeowners, businesses, roadways, and infrastructure. As such, the Governor seeks timely federal assistance from FEMA and SBA.

Thank you in advance for your consideration of this important request. We stand ready to assist in any way appropriate.",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-lead-illinois-lawmakers-in-urging-president-trump-to-grant-major-disaster-declaration-for-illinois-counties-following-severe-weather,"Durbin, Duckworth Lead Illinois Lawmakers In Urging President Trump To Grant Major Disaster Declaration For Illinois Counties Following Severe Weather",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth today led all members of the Illinois delegation in sending a bipartisan letter to President Trump urging the White House to grant Governor JB Pritzker’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration authorizing federal assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA), to help Champaign, Cook, Ford, Fulton, McLean, Tazewell, Vermilion, and Will Counties recover from severe storm damage. During the period of August 11-16, severe storms—including tornadoes, straight-line winds, and a derecho—crossed the state, resulting in serious damage to Illinoisans’ homes and businesses.

Today’s letter comes after the Trump Administration twice rejected FEMA aid for Illinois storm victims impacted by severe weather in summer 2025. The Trump Administration offered no serious justification for the repeated rejections. In their letter, the lawmakers request immediate support for Illinois for August’s storms, emphasizing that the severity of damage justifies swift assistance from the federal government. Notably, FEMA has already approved a major disaster declaration request from the Indiana state government for the same storm system, which swept through both Illinois and Indiana in August.

“We write in support of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s request for federal assistance for the State of Illinois to help eight Illinois counties recover from severe storm damage that occurred from August 11-16, 2026,” wrote the lawmakers.

“Governor Pritzker has indicated that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that an effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and local governments. We support his request for authorization of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance (IA) and Public Assistance (PA)in the impacted counties, and Hazard Mitigation statewide. Additionally, we support his request for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) physical and economic injury disaster declaration for the affected counties. This would enable low interest SBA disaster loans, including physical and economic injury loans, to support affected individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations,” the lawmakers wrote.

“The initial weather system on August 11 resulted in a derecho across Northern Illinois, producing widespread winds of 70 mph and eight tornadoes with peak winds near 115 mph. Follow-on storms repeatedly struck the same regions with severe weather, exacerbating the wind damage and resulting in historic levels of rainfall in some counties. All eight counties experienced significant damage from downed trees, power outages, and flooding,” the lawmakers wrote. “Subsequent damage has impacted homeowners, businesses, roadways, and infrastructure. As such, the Governor seeks timely federal assistance from FEMA and SBA.”

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

September 16, 2026

Dear Mr. President:

We write in support of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s request for federal assistance for the State of Illinois to help eight Illinois counties recover from severe storm damage that occurred from August 11-16, 2026. Specifically, he requests a Major Disaster Declaration for Champaign, Cook, Ford, Fulton, McLean, Tazewell, Vermilion, and Will Counties.

Governor Pritzker has indicated that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that an effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and local governments. We support his request for authorization of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance (IA) and Public Assistance (PA)in the impacted counties, and Hazard Mitigation statewide. Additionally, we support his request for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) physical and economic injury disaster declaration for the affected counties. This would enable low interest SBA disaster loans, including physical and economic injury loans, to support affected individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations.

During the August 11-16, 2026, period, a multi-day severe weather episode passed through Champaign, Cook, Ford, Fulton, McLean, Tazewell, Vermilion, and Will Counties, resulting in multiple rounds of severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding. The initial weather system on August 11 resulted in a derecho across Northern Illinois, producing widespread winds of 70 mph and eight tornadoes with peak winds near 115 mph. Follow-on storms repeatedly struck the same regions with severe weather, exacerbating the wind damage and resulting in historic levels of rainfall in some counties. All eight counties experienced significant damage from downed trees, power outages, and flooding. Subsequent damage has impacted homeowners, businesses, roadways, and infrastructure. As such, the Governor seeks timely federal assistance from FEMA and SBA.

Thank you in advance for your consideration of this important request. We stand ready

to assist in any way appropriate.

Sincerely,

-30-",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-and-cloud-introduce-bipartisan-no-flock-act-crack-down-abuse,Krishnamoorthi and Cloud Introduce Bipartisan No FLOCK Act to Crack Down on Abuse of License Plate Readers,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Raja Krishnamoorthi,K000391,krishnamoorthi.house.gov,krishnamoorthi,https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON —Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Congressman Michael Cloud (R-TX) have introduced the bipartisan No FLOCK Act (No Federal License-Plate Observation and Camera Keeping Act), legislation to crack down on abuses of automated license plate reader systems, including Flock Safety, following reports of law enforcement officers using the technology to stalk former partners and others for personal reasons.

“Automated license plate readers can be powerful tools for law enforcement to investigate serious crimes and protect our communities, but they must not become tools for officers to stalk ex-partners or spy on people for personal reasons,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi (IL-08). “Our investigation into Flock exposed serious gaps in oversight, and this bipartisan bill would put clear limits in place to prevent abuse while preserving legitimate public safety uses.”

“Taxpayers shouldn't be forced to fund the shredding of their own civil liberties or the growth of a surveillance state. Flock cameras are enabling mass surveillance of Americans, infringing on the Fourth Amendment. This bill is a first step toward reining in unchecked surveillance. We can protect public safety without sacrificing the privacy of Americans,” said Rep. Michael Cloud (TX-27).

Under the legislation, states would be required to enact laws limiting automated license plate readers to specific public safety and toll-enforcement purposes. After a two-fiscal-year implementation period, states that fail to have those restrictions in effect would have 10 percent of the federal surface transportation funding apportioned to them under Section 104(b) of Title 23 withheld each fiscal year.

Permitted uses would include:

enforcing toll systems;

identifying stolen vehicles;

locating missing or endangered people;

identifying vehicles registered to individuals with warrants for felony offenses; and

investigating vehicles involved in felony offenses.",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-applauds-supreme-court-ruling-blocking-trumps-usps-voter,Krishnamoorthi Applauds Supreme Court Ruling Blocking Trump’s USPS Voter Suppression Scheme,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Raja Krishnamoorthi,K000391,krishnamoorthi.house.gov,krishnamoorthi,https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) issued the following statement after the Supreme Court rejected the Trump Administration’s latest attempt to enforce new U.S. Postal Service restrictions on mail ballots, leaving in place a federal court order blocking the policy ahead of the November elections:

“Donald Trump tried to turn the Postal Service into an instrument of voter suppression, and the Supreme Court stopped him. The President has no authority to rewrite our election laws or give USPS the power to decide which eligible Americans receive a ballot. The Postal Service has one job here: deliver the ballots, not decide who gets to vote.”",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-thanedar-subramanyam-jayapal-bera-blast-trump-dhs-targeting,"Krishnamoorthi, Thanedar, Subramanyam, Jayapal, Bera Blast Trump DHS for Targeting Sikh Identity in Anti-Immigrant Post",2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Raja Krishnamoorthi,K000391,krishnamoorthi.house.gov,krishnamoorthi,https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), and Ami Bera (D-CA) today blasted the Trump Department of Homeland Security for using Sikh identity to portray a dangerous, unwanted foreigner while promoting immigration enforcement, warning that the now-deleted “Mr. Singh” post fuels growing racist and xenophobic hostility toward Sikh and South Asian Americans.

The DHS post depicted a brown, bearded man identified as “Mr. Singh,” told him to “get off our roads,” and warned him to “self-deport or find out.” “Singh” is intimately associated with Sikh identity, and the Members warned that its use in the post was not incidental, but degrading.

In the letter, the Members write:

“We write to express grave concern about the increasingly open racial and xenophobic hostility directed at South Asian Americans, particularly Sikh Americans, and about the ways federal rhetoric surrounding immigration and visa policy can reinforce the idea that these communities are suspect, disposable, or less American. South Asians are increasingly cast as economic interlopers, immigration cheats, people unwilling to assimilate, or simply people who do not belong here. Against that backdrop, it was appalling to see an agency of the United States government turn a man called ‘Mr. Singh’ into a racialized movie villain to be driven from the country.”

The Members also raised concerns that DHS used the post to promote its new ICE tipline for reporting suspected commercial driver’s license fraud, while its social media messaging urged the public to report “illegal aliens on American roads.” They warned that, paired with the depiction of “Mr. Singh,” the campaign invites the public to treat perceived ethnicity, religion, or foreignness, rather than evidence of wrongdoing, as grounds for suspicion and creates an “obvious risk” of race-based profiling.

The letter cites growing hostility toward South Asian Americans. Stop AAPI Hate found that anti-South Asian slurs in monitored online spaces increased 109 percent between January 2023 and December 2025 and that South Asians accounted for 71 percent of anti-Asian online threats of violence identified between August 2024 and December 2025. The Members also pointed to recent anti-Indian hostility in Frisco, Texas, including rhetoric about an “Indian takeover,” “invaders,” and “anchor babies,” and a mayoral candidate referring to South Asian immigrants as “rats.”

The Members write:

“When the federal government itself uses a recognizably Sikh identity as shorthand for someone dangerous, incompetent, and unwanted, it reinforces associations that have already had real consequences for Sikh Americans.”

The Members are urging President Trump to direct his agencies, particularly DHS, to publicly acknowledge the harm caused by the post, establish and enforce standards prohibiting federal communications that traffic in racial, ethnic, religious, or national-origin stereotypes, and make clear that immigration enforcement must never be used to stigmatize South Asian communities.

The Members conclude:

“South Asian Americans are not abstractions in an immigration debate, nor are they convenient symbols of foreignness. They belong in the communities they have helped build. For millions, this is their country and their home. There should be no room for such hate in our country.”",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-led-health-care-bills-advance-house-energy-and-commerce-committee,SCHNEIDER-LED HEALTH CARE BILLS ADVANCE IN HOUSE ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Bradley Scott Schneider,S001190,schneider.house.gov,schneider,https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee considered two bipartisan bills led by Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10), the KIDNEY Remote Monitoring Act and the Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act. The Energy and Commerce Committee is actively working to advance these bills to the House floor.

Together, these bills represent efforts to develop meaningful, long-term solutions to challenges facing providers and patients. The KIDNEY Remote Monitoring Act expands access to remote monitoring and care for Medicare beneficiaries with end stage renal disease, eliminating costly appointments and ensuring they can receive the care they need in the comfort of their home. The Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act provides for Medicare coverage of pharmacist-administered tests for common respiratory illnesses, such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), strep throat, and COVID-19.

“I have been a longtime advocate for a health care system that prioritizes effective, accessible care and ensures patients receive help from providers they know and trust, when and where they need it,” said Schneider. “As our health care system becomes increasingly expensive and complex, these bills will help cut through the red tape and focus on what matters most — ensuring seniors receive the care they need and deserve. I will continue working to advance these bills through Congress and support commonsense solutions to lower health care costs and expand access to care.”",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/after-duckworth-push-dod-inspector-general-releases-first-quarterly-iran-war-report,"After Duckworth Push, DoD Inspector General Releases First Quarterly Iran War Report",2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Following U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth’s (D-IL) push, the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DoD OIG), as the Lead OIG on the war, released its first quarterly watchdog report on Operation Epic Fury after Duckworth called for and then secured Inspector General (IG) oversight of Donald Trump’s costly, illegal war against Iran. The report details how the first four months of this war, ending in June, cost American taxpayers a whopping $33.7 billion dollars—including $22 billion spent on munitions alone and $184 million in damages from Iranian strikes on U.S. diplomatic facilities in the Middle East.

“For the first time in nearly eight months, the American people finally have an official glimpse into the cost of this disastrous war—and it is jaw-dropping. On top of the financial pain being inflicted on middle-class pocketbooks, this report sheds new light on how this illegal war is making all Americans less safe by draining our military resources and hollowing out the diplomatic footprint that we sorely need at full strength to end this war. And make no mistake: this report is still a gross underestimate of the grand total that taxpayers are already on the hook for.

“Our servicemembers are exhausted, our munitions are depleted, our diplomatic capabilities have been wrecked and 18 of our troops will never come home. The American people deserve transparency about how their taxpayer dollars are being spent and how their national security is being weakened by this quagmire that is leaving them worse off.

“No matter how hard the Administration tries to keep us in the dark, I will keep demanding answers, accountability and an end to Trump’s costly war of choice.”

The DoD OIG’s first quarterly report is the first government accounting to pull together, across Federal agencies, the costs, scope and scale of the opening silos of Trump’s disastrous war, which has resulted in the deaths of 18 brave servicemembers. The report illuminates exactly how Donald Trump’s reckless, unjustified war has pushed U.S. military and diplomatic infrastructure to the brink, creating urgent munitions shortfalls, siphoning money intended to cover payroll for our troops and personnel, redirecting resources from the Indo-Pacific and other critical national security priorities and leaving the Trump administration scrambling and dangerously unprepared for future contingencies and emergencies abroad. It confirms that Donald Trump blew at least $33.7 billion dollars in the first four months of his reckless war, a cost that does not include millions in repairs to military and diplomatic facilities that the Department of Defense has not yet quantified and likely undercounts necessary diplomatic repairs, by the State Department’s own admission.

Additionally, following a request from Duckworth and other Senate Democrats, today the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) independently estimated that approximately $38 billion has been spent on Trump’s war through the end of July, with each concurrent month set to rack up another $2-3 billion in spending. That estimate is likely a significant underestimate, as it misses various costs such as damaged facilities or fuel expenditure.

Duckworth has been an outspoken critic of Trump’s illegal, needless war in Iran since it began. She is one of the Senate Six—the original group of Senators who have been forcing votes on War Powers Resolutions that would cease hostilities in Iran, which Republicans have shamefully blocked nine times. Last month, the Senator introduced legislation to stop Trump’s desperate attempt to obscure how long his illegal war against Iran has lasted, dishonor the sacrifice of our troops injured and killed in combat and hide the true cost of his disastrous war from the American people.

Ahead of the Senate’s vote on her own War Powers resolution in April, Duckworth gave impassioned remarks drawing on her personal experience serving in our nation’s last war of choice in the Middle East, imploring Republicans to remember their oaths and vote to help rein in this unhinged President—which they did not.

-30-",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-announce-more-than-66-million-for-illinois-airport-improvements,"Duckworth, Durbin Announce More Than $66 Million for Illinois Airport Improvements",2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced a total of $66,345,494 in federal funding for infrastructure improvements at various airports across the state. This funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration will help improve taxiways, accommodate more passengers and make travelling through Illinois airports safer and more efficient.

“Illinois’s airports not only keep passengers moving, but they also connect our communities, support local businesses and provide good jobs for families across the state,” Duckworth said. “This investment will help grow, modernize and expand our airports across the state. Together, we will keep working alongside our local leaders to advocate for federal funding that will make our skies safer, make traveling easier and support economic development across Illinois.”

“Illinoisans rely on our airports to stay connected to loved ones, to travel for work, and to explore the best of the Midwest,” Durbin said. “Investing in our airports means better, safer service for Illinois’ travelers, so with this funding from FAA, our airports can expand their runways, improve safety, and deliver for fliers.”

Recipients of funding through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Grant Program include:

Illinois State Block Grant Program (Statewide): $28,540,776

St. Louis Downtown Airport (Cahokia): $11,020,583

St. Louis Downtown Airport (Cahokia): $68,400

DuPage Airport (West Chicago): $250,800

Lansing Municipal Airport (Lansing): $1,449,196

Lewis University Airport (Romeoville): $3,267,881

State of Illinois (Statewide): $1,896,372

Scott AFB/MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (Mascoutah): $1,149,763

Chicago Midway International Airport (Chicago): $5,475,808

Quad Cities International Airport (Moline): $210,045

Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois (Marion): $1,176,548

Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (Springfield): $11,839,322

-30-",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-grills-director-patel-on-record-of-failed-leadership-at-fbi-in-senate-judiciary-committee-oversight-hearing,Durbin Grills Director Patel On Record Of Failed Leadership At FBI In Senate Judiciary Committee Oversight Hearing,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"During the hearing, Director Patel deflected Durbin’s questions by denying that federal agents shot Chicagoan Marimar Martinez; refusing to comment on whether there are investigations into fraud perpetrated by Trump Admin officials; and misrepresenting the change in FBI hiring standards

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, questioned Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel in today’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing conducting oversight of the FBI. During the hearing, Durbin grilled Director Patel on the Trump Administration’s destructive and violent immigration enforcement campaigns; the gutting of FBI hiring standards; his role in covering up the Epstein files; and the perpetration of rampant corruption and fraud within the Trump Administration.

Durbin began by pressing Director Patel about his failure to acknowledge that federal agents acted inappropriately during Operation Midway Blitz and Operation Metro Surge, in which multiple U.S. citizens were shot or killed by federal agents. Rather than follow protocol, Director Patel dismissed the incidents and refused to properly open a federal civil rights investigation.

“One year ago, my home state of Illinois was experiencing the beginning of a ruthless, reckless, deadly campaign orchestrated by this Administration known as ‘Midway Blitz.’ Masked federal agents armed with military grade weapons and unmarked vehicles descended on Chicago and other communities, bashing in car windows, indiscriminately rounding up people, deploying chemical agents, and shooting innocent people,” Durbin began. “A border patrol agent shot U.S. citizen and Chicago native Marimar Martinez five times after sideswiping her vehicle. She survived. After Ms. Martinez was shot, DHS [U.S. Department of Homeland Security] branded her as a domestic terrorist. A border patrol agent bragged about shooting her. And an FBI agent falsely claimed she chased a border patrol agent before she was shot.”

“Director Patel, after the shooting, you took to social media, posted a video of a different collision, that you said supported DHS. He [Patel] said, ‘Attack our law enforcement and this FBI will find you and bring you to justice.’ DHS and FBI have since refused to correct the record. [DOJ dropped] charges against Ms. Martinez, who was shot five times by these agents,” Durbin said.

“In another event, an ICE agent shot and killed Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez shortly after he dropped his children off at school and daycare. Publicly released video footage and the ICE agent’s own statement contradict DHS claims that the ICE agent who shot him was ‘dragged a significant distance’ and ‘feared for his life.’ In the past, the FBI would have swiftly responded to these shootings, gathering evidence and working with the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division to conduct a civil rights investigation. But not now,” Durbin continued.

“Director Patel, why has the FBI refused to investigate either of these shootings?” Durbin pressed.

Director Patel asserted that the incidents are under investigation. However, the FBI has provided no information about civil rights investigations in either case.

“Do you still stand behind the false statements you made on social media after Marimar Martinez was shot?” Durbin replied.

Director Patel deflected, offering a flimsy explanation that his statements were “clipped together to make it sound like I lied.”

Pushing back on the claims Director Patel made on social media, which he emphasized that he stands by, Durbin responded, “Let me quote what you said: ‘Attack our law enforcement and the FBI will find you and bring you to justice.’ Were you bringing her to justice by shooting her five times?”

“We didn’t shoot her,” Director Patel claimed despite body camera footage from the incident and text messages from the federal immigration agent who shot Ms. Martinez making clear that she was shot five times by the federal agent.

“The federal government did, and you are responsible for determining whether there was any violation of federal rights statutes, and you refuse to do so. Unfortunately giving a blank slate to these agents is not an encouragement for good conduct, and you know that as well as I do,” Durbin said.

Durbin then questioned Director Patel about the FBI’s recent decision to gut hiring standards. In June, the FBI reportedly revised their hiring policy to remove theft from an employer, sex solicitation, and bestiality from the list of automatic hiring disqualifications; however, some of these changes may have been quietly implemented as early as February 2025. Yesterday, Durbin led all Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats in demanding a justification for the degradation of hiring standards, emphasizing that hiring candidates with a history of this conduct makes federal agencies more vulnerable to black mail or counterintelligence exposure.

“According to a memo issued this June, the FBI has lowered its hiring standards by dropping automatic disqualification for applicants who have stolen from prior employers, paid for sex, or engaged in bestiality. In July, you claimed the FBI is ‘losing too many qualified candidates to the rigors and requirements from yesteryear.’ Director Patel, do you believe those who have previously stolen from employers, solicited sex, or engaged in bestiality are qualified candidates the FBI is losing?” Durbin asked.

Director Patel misrepresented the change in hiring standards, arguing that the change was to prevent victims of these acts from being automatically disqualified. Further hedging his track record of purging career FBI officials, Director Patel offered statistics about a recent uptick in hiring; however, Director Patel has purged more than 5,000 nonpartisan career personnel from the agency, including all six former Executive Assistant Directors and at least 18 Special Agents in Charge with little to no explanation.

“What I’m reading to you is that you dropped automatic disqualification for applicants who have been engaged in bestiality. Not victims of bestiality—applicants who have engaged,” Durbin said.

Durbin then grilled Director Patel on his direct involvement in covering up the Epstein files.

“On the Epstein files, do you believe the files contain no meaningful evidence of wrongdoing by others who have not been charged so far?” Durbin asked.

Rather than answer Durbin’s question, Director Patel spoke about the number of pages released of the Epstein files. Notably, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Inspector General (OIG) has launched a probe into whether the DOJ properly complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, as many of the documents were not released on the timeline laid out by the law.

“He just missed one important point. You may remember it. Congress had to pass a law requiring the disclosure of the Epstein files. We had to wait until a woman was elected to Congress to give us the necessary votes in the House to discharge the bill and force a vote in the House on the release of the Epstein files. This was not volunteered by the Trump Administration. It took a law to force them to do it,” Durbin said.

Durbin concluded by questioning Director Patel about the blatant corruption committed by Trump Administration officials without consequence.

“You’ve touted the Trump Administration and FBI success in cracking down on fraud and corruption. In a press conference in June, you stated, ‘You should take a look at what leadership from the White House and President Trump’s prioritization to go after and combat fraud looks like. Fraud is no longer being tolerated. It’s not being put up with,’” Durbin said.

“Recent reports, Mr. Patel, have revealed that Corey Lewandowski, while he was at the Department of Homeland Security, approached senior officials from Qatar and UAE, offering to represent them on the side [on] issues that fell under DHS purview. Director Patel, was the FBI aware of Corey Lewandowski’s efforts to sell access to government services for personal gain before this report was published?” Durbin asked.

Director Patel denied knowledge of Mr. Lewandowski’s actions.

“Has the FBI initiated any investigation into these allegations regarding Mr. Lewandowski?” Durbin pushed further.

Director Patel deflected the question, asserting that this falls under DHS’ purview.

“You can’t say that the FBI has done any investigation into this allegation?” Durbin replied.

“I will not comment on that,” Director Patel answered.

Video of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.

-30-",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kash-patel-is-the-least-qualified-and-most-partisan-fbi-director-in-our-nations-history-durbin-says-in-opening-statement-in-senate-judiciary-committee-fbi-oversight-hearing,"“Kash Patel Is The Least Qualified And Most Partisan FBI Director In Our Nation’s History,” Durbin Says In Opening Statement In Senate Judiciary Committee FBI Oversight Hearing",2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"In his opening statement, Durbin criticized Director Patel’s failed leadership, citing his weaponization of the FBI, his involvement in covering up the Epstein files, his misuse of FBI resources, and more

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered an opening statement in today’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing conducting oversight on the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) featuring testimony from FBI Director Kash Patel. During his remarks, Durbin underscored that Americans are less safe with Kash Patel leading the FBI as he is far more concerned with weaponizing the agency against the President’s perceived political enemies while covering up the wrongdoings of President Trump’s allies. Further, Director Patel’s personal conduct—wasting and exploiting FBI resources and failing to account for when official business ends and personal recreation begins—has shown that he is a liability to national security.

Key Quotes:

“Let me say at the outset, that we just heard again, an introduction by the Chairman [Grassley] that gave reference to Crossfire Hurricane and a lot of things that are in the history of the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Over a year ago, all of the Democrats on this Committee said, ‘Stop giving these speeches, and bring the people before us to testify under oath as to what actually happened.’”

“Jack Smith, the special counsel, who is a constant reference point when it comes to this ‘Grand Conspiracy,’ has volunteered for more than a year to appear before this Committee under oath and answer the questions. What more could we ask of him?”

“Perhaps in a few weeks when we have been promised he will show up, they [Republicans] could start by explaining, why did you wait a year if we are talking about a ‘Grand Conspiracy?’ Jack Smith, the special counsel, will be under oath before this committee. Each of us will have a chance to ask pertinent questions to clear it up. For some reason, the decision was made at some level to let this controversy fester rather than bring the person in who could actually answer the questions.”

“Director Robert Mueller led the FBI at this tumultuous time [post-9/11]. He, more than any single individual, was responsible for modernizing the FBI to combat the threats we face in the 21st century. I was proud to work with him on a bipartisan basis… We didn’t always agree, but I always respected him. He was a patriot and a person of honesty and integrity.”

“Modernizing the FBI has not been an easy process. Balancing a growing focus on national security and terrorism prevention efforts with traditional work investigating white-collar crime and corruption has taken a lot of time and effort. Over the years, the FBI, as it gained more authorities, at times in history, misused it. There is still work to be done to earn public trust and ensure the most powerful federal investigative agency in the world only engages in lawful operations.”

“Continuing to meet new threats while tackling these challenges requires steady, committed leadership from someone who understands the stakes and has the humility to lead as a servant of the public, like Bob Mueller. Sadly for the American people, the current director does not meet these standards. Mr. Patel is the least qualified and most partisan FBI Director in our nation’s history. He does not have the judgment, experience, or temperament of Director Mueller.”

“Before he was confirmed, Mr. Patel falsely claimed in public that the FBI ‘was planning January 6 for a year.’ He compiled an enemies list of public servants he called ‘government gangsters’ who he promised to target if he was confirmed as head of the FBI.”

“Despite the warnings of Senate Democrats during his confirmation hearing, our Republican colleagues chose to ignore these facts to prioritize President Trump’s retribution campaign over the safety of Americans. They joined on a partisan basis, confirming Director Patel to lead the FBI.”

“Under Mr. Patel’s failed leadership, decades of efforts to modernize and reform the FBI are being undone, and the Bureau has been reshaped as a political weapon against President Trump’s political enemies and a shield to protect the President and his MAGA loyalists—not the American people. Director Patel has been the central figure pushing the so-called ‘Grand Conspiracy,’ diverting FBI resources to inane debunked conspiracy theories that the ‘deep state’ has been targeting President Trump since his first campaign.”

“Director Patel is also wasting FBI resources to relitigate the 2020 presidential election. How many times have nominees who are judges, respected professionals, professors come before this Committee and refused to acknowledge what every eighth-grader in America knows? President Trump lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden by 7 million votes. That’s simple. It’s obvious. It’s a matter of fact. Yet, these nominees refused to acknowledge that reality because this is part of the great conspiracy theory that Trump never loses anything.”

“To weaponize the FBI against the President’s opponents, Director Patel has overseen a purge of thousands of law enforcement officials. From analysts and agents to the most senior leadership, the Bureau has been deprived of tens of thousands of years of cumulative experience.”

“Director Patel has installed MAGA loyalists as political appointees in key career positions. And he even imposed loyalty tests, requiring FBI officials to undergo polygraphs to say whether they ever criticize him.”

“Thousands of agents have been reassigned from their primary criminal and national security mission to immigration enforcement, with the number of FBI personnel working on immigration matters increasing by over 2,000 percent as of last September.”

“In total, over 9,000 FBI personnel—25 percent of the Bureau—worked on immigration cases between January and September of last year. As part of this shift in resources, the Department of Justice shut down almost 23,000 criminal cases in the first six months of the Trump Administration.”

“To replace the career professionals he purged, Director Patel has gutted hiring standards. Today will be his opportunity under oath to answer some basic questions about the standards being used for new FBI agents. In an interview in July, he claimed the FBI is ‘losing too many qualified candidates to the rigors of the requirements from yesteryear.’ What are those so-called obsolete requirements? According to a memo issued in June, the FBI has removed from its list of automatic hiring disqualifications theft from an employer, sex solicitation, and bestiality.”

“To add insult to injury, Director Patel is trying to take credit for the successful efforts of state and local law enforcement to reduce violent crime. The reality is that violent crime spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic and has been steadily and consistently declining since 2022. Every member of this Committee knows that our state and local police – not the FBI – are primarily responsible for combatting violent crime. Don’t believe me? Look at the data. Cities where the National Guard or other federal forces were not deployed had a 2025 drop in violent crime similar to the cities where they were deployed.”

“It is misleading and offensive for this Administration – which has coddled January 6 rioters by giving them full, unconditional pardons from the President as one of his first acts in office. This Administration has ended the careers of thousands of professional FBI agents because they didn’t meet some political test and blocked hundreds of millions of dollars in grants to local law enforcement– to claim credit for the work of our brave frontline police officers. That is not ‘backing the blue’ by any standard.”

“In fact, the cities where federal forces were deployed experienced widespread abuses of the constitutional rights of their residents—including multiple lethal shootings of American citizens.”

“The FBI is charged with investigating deadly uses of force by federal agents, but it has turned its back on its duties under Director Patel. Instead, the Department of Homeland Security is now the primary investigator of whether its own poorly vetted and trained employees violated the law during the ill-conceived missions.”

“Director Patel has also played a key role in the Trump Administration’s cover up of the Epstein files. Director Patel diverted more than a thousand FBI agents from their critical missions to work on 24-hour shifts reviewing every page of the Epstein files. These personnel were instructed to ‘flag’ any records in which President Trump’s name was mentioned. That review ended in an unsigned memorandum from the Department of Justice and FBI simply claiming, ‘there is no incriminating client list.’ Director Patel has still not responded to our letter from more than a year ago asking about his personal role in this cover-up. But we now know that Director Patel reportedly joined a meeting in the White House Situation Room about how to protect the President from the fallout from this cover up of the Epstein files.”

“Director Patel failed to ensure the Trump Administration actually released, as they were required, everything about Epstein and his co-conspirators. This has come at the expense of the American people, who deserve transparency. And it has also been at the expense of the survivors of Epstein’s abuse, who deserve justice and accountability.”

“So today, we find ourselves in a position where the FBI is expending immense resources to protect President Trump politically and deliver retribution to his enemies—but is diverting resources away from protecting the safety, security, and rights of ordinary Americans and their families.”

“I was proud to be part of bipartisan efforts over the many years to ensure the FBI protected both the security and freedom of the American people. And I’m disappointed that this Committee has stood by since January 2025 as that work has been undone.”

“I look forward to a day – hopefully in the near future – when this Committee will fulfill its duty to hold Director Patel accountable for his leadership.”

Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations.

-30-",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://bost.house.gov/2026/9/bost-announces-2-3-million-in-faa-grants-for-southern-illinois-airports,BOST ANNOUNCES $2.3 MILLION IN FAA GRANTS FOR SOUTHERN ILLINOIS AIRPORTS,2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration has awarded grants totaling over $2.3 million to enhance safety and infrastructure improvements at Veterans Airport in Marion and MidAmerica Airport in Mascoutah.

“Southern Illinois is emerging as a transportation hub for our region, and Veterans Airport and MidAmerica Airport are critical transportation assets,” said Bost. “These investments will help ensure both airports have safe and reliable infrastructure they need to continue protecting travelers and creating economic opportunities for the region.""

Veterans Airport will receive $1,176,548 to purchase a new aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle, along with protective equipment and medical kits to enhance safety. MidAmerica Airport will receive $1,149,763 to bring the surrounding landscape into conformity with current FAA standards.

###",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-chicago-duckworth-visits-illinois-quantum-and-microelectronics-park-to-highlight-illinoiss-leadership-in-quantum-innovation,"In Chicago, Duckworth Visits Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park to Highlight Illinois’s Leadership in Quantum Innovation",2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[CHICAGO, IL] — U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) last week visited Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) to tour the construction progress and meet with leaders from IQMP and PsiQuantum about opportunities to harness quantum innovation and strengthen national security. IQMP is a first-of-its-kind campus built to house a central base on Chicago’s South Side where quantum companies, researchers, manufacturers and suppliers can come together to tackle challenges in healthcare, energy, communications and more. Photos from the meeting are available on the Senator’s website.

“Illinois is leading a quantum revolution, and it’s about to take off on Chicago’s South Side,” said Duckworth. “From Japan to Taiwan and all around the world, I’ve praised Illinois as the perfect place for more investments in quantum—and today’s progress is yet another example of why that couldn’t be more true. More investments in quantum means more investments in our national security, in finding cures to diseases, in bending the curve on climate change and more. With the construction of this first of its kind quantum campus, I’m eager see these advancements help bolster the strength of our state and region’s manufacturing.”

“Senator Duckworth has been a tremendous champion at the federal level, helping advance quantum investment and establish Illinois as a global destination for quantum discovery and commercialization,” said Harley Johnson, CEO of the IQMP. “It was an honor to welcome her to the IQMP today and show her firsthand the ecosystem we're building. We look forward to continuing this partnership as we work to advance quantum technology in a way that benefits our state and the people who call it home.”

“PsiQuantum is proud to be the anchor tenant at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park in South Chicago,” said Victor Peng, Chief Executive Officer of PsiQuantum. “Together with the strong support and bipartisan leadership of elected officials like Senator Duckworth, we are creating the jobs of the future, supporting area businesses, partnering closely alongside the local community, and ultimately bringing this technology to life in Illinois.”

Duckworth has been a leading advocate for bringing quantum investment to Illinois. Last month, as a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, she traveled to Japan to underscore Illinois’s preparedness for additional international investments in the quantum sector, meeting with business leaders from Toshiba and IBM to strengthen partnerships and showcase the state’s leadership in quantum innovation.

-30-",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-blumenthal-padilla-whitehouse-jayapal-raskin-introduce-cra-resolution-of-disapproval-regarding-regulation-that-changes-how-international-students-and-journalists-maintain-immigration-status,"Durbin, Blumenthal, Padilla, Whitehouse, Jayapal, Raskin Introduce CRA Resolution Of Disapproval Regarding Regulation That Changes How International Students & Journalists Maintain Immigration Status",2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), all members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval regarding a regulation, entitled “Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media,” which changes how international students and journalists maintain their immigration status. U.S. Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), Angus King (I-ME), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined as cosponsors. U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07) and Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08) are leading the House companion.

For more than 40 years, F-1 visa students, J-1 visa exchange visitors, and I visa international journalists have been permitted to remain in the U.S. for as long as they engage in the activity that qualifies them for the visa, a practice known as “duration of status.” However, on July 17, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule that eliminates duration of status and requires recipients of F-1 student visas and J-1 exchange visas to enter the U.S. for a fixed admission period capped at a maximum of four years; similarly, recipients of I visas would be admitted for the length of their project in the U.S. or a maximum of 240 days. The rule also includes significant limitations on transfers and changes of educational objectives for student visa recipients. Educational institutions, labor unions, and medical associations have raised serious concerns about this rule’s impacts on the nation’s ability to attract the best and brightest students to U.S. universities and to retain doctors in American communities that desperately need them. The rule is scheduled to go into effect on September 15.

“This proposed rule is just another part of the Donald Trump-Stephen Miller mass deportation agenda. They want to make the immigration process so difficult, so cumbersome, and so onerous that legal immigrants decide to leave the U.S. or never come here at all—which will result in the loss of talented, bright individuals who make America better,” Durbin said. “Our nation is already confronting a serious health workforce shortage. Now is not the time to make it even more difficult for health care professionals to care for our most vulnerable communities. I appreciate my Democratic colleagues in joining me on this important measure and encourage members on both sides of the aisle to support it.”

“Our country benefits immensely from the international students, exchange visitors, and foreign media who come to the United States to share their skills with us. Killing this visa program will unfairly throw the lives of thousands of international students and journalists into turmoil. Many of those smart, talented visitors who we’ll be turning away will find opportunities in other countries less short-sighted than ours, and we will be paying the price in reducing our global competitiveness for decades afterwards,” said Blumenthal.

“International students deserve fair opportunities to receive an education in the United States. Students, exchange visitors, and foreign members of the media should never have to live in fear of the Administration’s unprecedented attacks on legal immigration,” said Padilla. “Diversity is our country’s strength, and international students and exchange visitors support American innovation, job growth, higher education, and global competitiveness. We have a responsibility to protect these visa holders, including international students who contribute to the culture of American universities and eventually to our nation’s economy.”

“Rhode Island’s institutions of higher education help power the Ocean State’s economic competitiveness. International students and medical residents drive innovation, contribute to cutting-edge research, and spend big not only on tuition, but also at local restaurants and businesses. This Trump administration rule punishes international students, young doctors, and foreign journalists as well as local small businesses and universities as part of their extreme anti-immigration agenda,” said Whitehouse.

“International students make our institutions of higher learning better for all students and create pipelines to ensure the best and brightest lend their talents to strengthen our economy and American innovation. We should be welcoming students, not wrapping the processes to obtain visas in layers of red tape. This has nothing to do with national security and everything to do with Trump and Stephen Miller’s plan to prevent all forms of legal immigration. I first came to this country on a student visa and understand deeply just how important these visas are,” said Jayapal.

“America has always benefited from attracting brilliant students, researchers, doctors and journalists from around the world. The Trump Administration wants to obstruct that path with bureaucratic hurdles and quicksand designed to make legal immigration harder. This senseless rule will drive away talented people who come here to study, practice medicine, do research and contribute to our communities. It harms the American economy and American innovation and makes all of us worse off,” said Raskin.

Bill text is available here.

This regulation will have adverse impacts on foreign students, international medical school graduates (residents), and foreign members of the media. The federal government last implemented a fixed period of admission for these visa categories in the 1970s, and the changes resulted in significant backlogs. This new regulation will likely yield the same result, as the most recent available data shows the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processing backlog at 12 million cases. Universities have predicted significant hardships for PhD students, who can often take as long as seven years to complete their programs. In addition, universities have expressed concerns that the strict regulation will prevent graduate students from changing their educational objective and prevent undergraduate students, including athletes, from transferring to another university in their first year of education or changing their majors. Medical associations have similarly raised concerns about the impacts of the rule on medical residents.

This rule is the most recent in a series of attempts by the Trump Administration to stop legal immigration to the United States. Last year, Senator Durbin led a group of 35 Senate Democrats in pressing the Trump Administration to reconsider the decision to revoke student visas without adequate notice. In April, Durbin led Judiciary Democrats in requesting the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct an independent investigation after the Trump Administration summarily halted most immigrant benefits processing for immigration applicants from 39 countries, stopped visa processing for immigrant visa applicants from 75 countries, and ended most refugee and asylum processing. In a separate letter to GAO, Durbin and his colleagues also requested GAO investigate the Trump Administration’s attempts to “re-review” immigration benefits granted to all individuals from 39 countries who were approved under the Biden Administration—including those who have since become U.S. citizens.

The CRA resolution of disapproval is endorsed by: AAMC - Association of American Medical Colleges; AIRC: The Association of International Enrollment Management; Alliance for International Exchange; American Academy of Family Physicians; American Academy of Pediatrics; American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers; American College of Radiology; American Council on Education; American Gastroenterological Association; American Immigration Lawyers Association; American Osteopathic Association; American Psychiatric Association; American Society of Nephrology; American Society of Neuroradiology; Association for Advancing Physician and Provider Recruitment; Association of American Universities; Association of Independent California Colleges & Universities; Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities; Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU); Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges; Cornell University; Council of Graduate Schools; Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities; Global Detroit; Illinois State University; Illinois Tech; International Educators of Illinois; Miles for Migraine; NAFSA: Association of International Educators; National Association of Independent Colleges & Universities (NAICU); Northern Illinois University, Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration; Shorelight, LLC; Third Way; UC Berkeley; UCLA; University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources; University of California System; University of California-San Diego; University of California, Davis; University of California, Los Angeles; University of California, San Francisco; University of California, Santa Cruz; University of Illinois System; and U.S. For Success Coalition.

Durbin has introduced bipartisan legislation to make long-needed reforms to our legal immigration system, including the Keep STEM Talent Act, the Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act, and the H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act.

-30-",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-senate-judiciary-democrats-scrutinize-director-patels-decision-to-gut-fbis-hiring-standards,"Durbin, Senate Judiciary Democrats Scrutinize Director Patel’s Decision To Gut FBI’s Hiring Standards",2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"In their letter to FBI Director Patel ahead of tomorrow’s oversight hearing, Senate Judiciary Democrats demand justification for the FBI’s recent decision to remove sex solicitation, bestiality, and theft from an employer from the list of automatic hiring disqualifications

WASHINGTON – Ahead of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel’s testimony in tomorrow’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing conducting oversight on the agency, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today led all Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats in sending a letter to Director Patel demanding answers about the FBI’s recent decision to gut hiring standards. In June, the FBI reportedly revised their hiring policy to remove theft from an employer, sex solicitation, and bestiality from the list of automatic hiring disqualifications; however, some of these changes may have been quietly implemented as early as February 2025.

“We write to request a full accounting of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) decision to gut hiring standards that have governed the FBI’s workforce for decades,” the lawmakers wrote.

Under the new criteria, an applicant who paid for sex fewer than three times more than 10 years ago no longer faces automatic disqualification if they were not serving in positions the FBI deems of “public trust” at the time of the solicitation. Theft from a prior employer that occurred more than three years ago, and other extreme conduct, including a history of bestiality or animal cruelty that occurred prior to the applicant turning 18, is also no longer automatically disqualifying. As the lawmakers note in their letter, these are major adjustments to FBI eligibility requirements, opening up law enforcement positions to be filled by applicants with a history of significant misconduct.

“These are not minor technical adjustments. They represent a considered decision to open the Bureau’s ranks to individuals who engaged in conduct that the FBI previously treated as disqualifying—and that, in the case of solicitation of prostitution, controlling Department of Justice policy describes as ‘threaten[ing] the core mission of the Department, not simply because it invites extortion, blackmail, and leaks of sensitive or classified information, but also because it undermines the Department’s efforts to eradicate the scourge of human trafficking,’” the lawmakers wrote.

Director Patel has allowed for the lowering of hiring standards while simultaneously purging career agents from the agency. In 2026, the FBI reportedly lost more than 1,100 special agents with an average tenure of nearly 22 years. Further, Director Patel has purged more than 5,000 nonpartisan career personnel, including all six former Executive Assistant Directors and at least 18 Special Agents in Charge with little to no explanation.

“You have defended your efforts to overhaul hiring standards, stating that the FBI is ‘losing too many qualified candidates to the rigors of the requirements from yesteryear.’ Though the FBI faces real recruitment and retention challenges, you are primarily responsible for the current shortfall of personnel,” the lawmakers wrote.

“Having dangerously thinned the FBI’s experienced workforce for reasons that had nothing to do with performance, you are now asking the American people to accept, without explanation, that the resulting shortfall justifies admitting applicants with histories of employee theft, paying for sex, or bestiality,” the lawmakers continued.

The lawmakers dismantled the counterargument that the degradation of hiring standards was necessary to combat the diminishing number of FBI employees. Rather, part of the shift in hiring standards may have occurred just eight days after Director Patel’s confirmation.

“Attrition also cannot be the sole reason for this disturbing shift in standards, because the FBI appears to have changed its public document denoting employment eligibility standards on February 28, 2025, just eight days after your confirmation, to remove ‘engagement in prostitution or bestiality’ as an automatic disqualification. Although the Administration’s retributive and partisan purges had begun as soon as President Trump took office, February 2025 was long before the bulk of the drastic workforce reduction currently imperiling critical missions,” the lawmakers wrote.

The lawmakers concluded their letter by requesting detailed, unredacted records and memorandums outlining the hiring policy changes, as well as any information about the effect these changes could have on courtroom credibility, counterintelligence exposure, or blackmail vulnerability among personnel hired under them.

“The Committee has a constitutional obligation to conduct oversight of the FBI’s personnel practices, and a change of this magnitude with no discernible justification must be scrutinized…We further expect the Bureau to make appropriate officials available for a Committee briefing on this matter without delay,” the lawmakers concluded their letter.

Full text of the letter can be found here and below:

September 14, 2026

Dear Director Patel:

We write to request a full accounting of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) decision to gut hiring standards that have governed the FBI’s workforce for decades. In June, the FBI reportedly issued an internal directive removing theft from an employer, sex solicitation, and bestiality from the list of automatic hiring disqualifications[1]—and it appears that some of these changes may have been quietly implemented as early as February 2025.[2]

Under the new criteria, an applicant who paid for sex fewer than three times more than 10 years ago no longer faces automatic disqualification from serving at the FBI, so as long as they were not in a position deemed one of “public trust.”[3] Notably, the FBI does not identify a number of positions from which it recruits agents as positions of public trust, including members of the armed forces.[4] Theft from a prior employer is also no longer a categorical bar if it occurred more than three years ago.[5] Other extreme conduct, including a history of bestiality or animal cruelty, is not automatically disqualifying under this new policy either, so long as the conduct occurred before the applicant turned 18.[6] These are not minor technical adjustments. They represent a considered decision to open the Bureau’s ranks to individuals who engaged in conduct that the FBI previously treated as disqualifying—and that, in the case of solicitation of prostitution, controlling Department of Justice policy describes as “threaten[ing] the core mission of the Department, not simply because it invites extortion, blackmail, and leaks of sensitive or classified information, but also because it undermines the Department’s efforts to eradicate the scourge of human trafficking.”[7]

You have defended your efforts to overhaul hiring standards, stating that the FBI is “losing too many qualified candidates to the rigors of the requirements from yesteryear.”[8] Though the FBI faces real recruitment and retention challenges, you are primarily responsible for the current shortfall of personnel. The FBI reportedly lost over 1,100 special agents “with an average tenure of 21.8 years” in 2025.[9] The major driver of that attrition: your own purge of the Bureau’s personnel, including over 5,000 nonpartisan career personnel, all six former Executive Assistant Directors, and at least 18 Special Agents in Charge.[10] Having dangerously thinned the FBI’s experienced workforce for reasons that had nothing to do with performance, you are now asking the American people to accept, without explanation, that the resulting shortfall justifies admitting applicants with histories of employee theft, paying for sex, or bestiality.

Attrition also cannot be the sole reason for this disturbing shift in standards, because the FBI appears to have changed its public document denoting employment eligibility standards on February 28, 2025, just eight days after your confirmation, to remove “engagement in prostitution or bestiality” as an automatic disqualification.[11] Although the Administration’s retributive and partisan purges had begun as soon as President Trump took office, February 2025 was long before the bulk of the drastic workforce reduction currently imperiling critical missions.

The Committee has a constitutional obligation to conduct oversight of the FBI’s personnel practices, and a change of this magnitude with no discernible justification must be scrutinized. We therefore request the FBI produce the following no later than September 28, 2026:

A complete, unredacted copy of the June 16, 2026 memorandum outlining these hiring policy changes, and any drafts, analyses, or briefing materials prepared in connection with it;

All records reflecting who at the FBI reviewed or approved this change and any consultation with internal or external parties before it was adopted;

The number of applicants hired, extended conditional offers, or placed under case-by-case review since June 16, 2026, whose files would previously have been automatically disqualified, broken out by category of conduct;

The number of applicants hired, extended conditional offers, or placed under case-by-case review since February 28, 2025, whose files would previously have been automatically disqualified for engagement in prostitution or bestiality;

Any analysis the Bureau conducted, before or after February 28, 2025, of the effect these changes could have on courtroom credibility, counterintelligence exposure, or blackmail vulnerability among personnel hired under them; and

All guidance issued to background investigators, polygraph examiners, and adjudicators instructing them to apply the revised standards.

We further expect the Bureau to make appropriate officials available for a Committee briefing on this matter without delay.

Sincerely,

-30-",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-blasts-xenophobic-tweet-texas-gop-railroad-commission-nominee,Krishnamoorthi Blasts Xenophobic Tweet by Texas GOP Railroad Commission Nominee Bo French Targeting South Asian Students,2026-09-13,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Raja Krishnamoorthi,K000391,krishnamoorthi.house.gov,krishnamoorthi,https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today condemned Texas Republican Railroad Commission nominee Bo French’s racist and xenophobic tweet targeting South Asian students at the University of Texas, after French posted photos of students celebrating a Longhorns football victory and portrayed them as evidence that Americans are being “displaced by foreigners.”

“Bo French’s xenophobic hate toward South Asian students is disgraceful and part of a broader rise in attacks targeting South Asian Americans across the country. These young people were cheering for their university, and he chose to demonize them based solely on how they look. South Asian Americans are as American as anyone, and this kind of hatred has no place in our politics or our country.”",1,2026-09-14T10:19:32Z,2026-09-14T10:21:05Z
https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-statement-25th-anniversary-september-11th-attacks,Schakowsky Statement on the 25th Anniversary of the September 11th Attacks,2026-09-11,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Janice D. Schakowsky,S001145,schakowsky.house.gov,schakowsky,https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"EVANSTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) issued the following statement on the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks:

“Twenty-five years ago today, I watched in disbelief with the rest of the nation as two planes struck the Twin Towers and our nation came under attack. Later, from my office in the Capitol, I watched smoke rise from the Pentagon. I remember the fear and chaos of that day, but also the extraordinary courage and sacrifice that followed.

“I remember standing on the Capitol steps with my colleagues singing 'God Bless America.' I remember learning about the heroes on Flight 93. I remember our Solidarity March down Devon Avenue, where more than 100 people walked arm in arm, carrying American flags and declaring that we would not let this tragedy divide us.

“Let us honor and mourn the thousands of lives we lost that horrific day, and all those we have since lost to 9/11-related injuries and illnesses.

“We may come from different backgrounds, nationalities, and cultures, but we all call this country home. Twenty-five years later, let us remember that unity is what carries us through our darkest days.”

###",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-commemorates-25th-anniversary-of-9/11-attacks-with-day-of-service,Duckworth Commemorates 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks with Day of Service,2026-09-11,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"[CHICAGO, IL] — Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years, today joined volunteers at Chicago Union Station to help pack 520,000 meals that will be donated to the Greater Chicago Food Depository as part of a day of service commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Photos from the event are available on the Senator’s website.

“Twenty-five years ago today, a heinous attack on our country took the lives of nearly 3,000 innocent people and changed the course of countless other American lives,” said Duckworth. “Today, we remember those we lost and reflect on the bravery shown by the first responders who ran toward danger—many of whom never made it home to their families or will forever live with illnesses caused by that day. Our hearts are with their families and loved ones, today and always. As we come together to pack 520,000 meals for local families in need, we honor this day through service and remind ourselves that the strength of our nation is found in how we support and serve one another.”

-30-",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-join-senate-democrats-in-urging-supreme-court-to-block-postal-rule-limiting-mail-in-voting,"Duckworth, Durbin Join Senate Democrats in Urging Supreme Court to Block Postal Rule Limiting Mail-In Voting",2026-09-11,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Tammy Duckworth,D000622,www.duckworth.senate.gov,duckworth,https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"261 Members and former Members file bicameral, bipartisan brief as court order barring Postal Service rule limiting mail voting is being challenged by Trump’s DOJ

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and joined U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Gary Peters (D-MI), along with U.S. Representatives Joe Morelle (D-NY-25), Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), Joe Neguse (D-CO-02) and Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), in leading a bicameral amicus brief challenging the legality of President Trump’s executive order and U.S. Postal Service rule seeking to exert control over mail-in ballots ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The group, made up of a bipartisan, bicameral coalition of 261 lawmakers and former lawmakers, filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in the matter of State of California, et al. v. United States Postal Service, et al., a lawsuit brought by a coalition of state attorneys general against the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). The court case challenges a final rule issued by USPS pursuant to President Trump’s directive that imposes unconstitutional and unworkable restrictions on mail-in voting, including requiring states to provide a “citizenship verification list” and attempting to give USPS control over who can vote by mail.

“Donald Trump’s desperate attempts to obstruct voting by mail for every American but himself are unconstitutional and jeopardize our democracy,” said Duckworth. “Trump has already voted by mail twice this year alone. We cannot allow him to illegally intimidate his fellow tens of millions of Americans who cast their ballots by mail. As we approach the 2026 midterms, the Supreme Court must reject these unlawful executive orders and protect Americans’ right to vote this fall.”

“The President is dead set on attacking Americans’ right to vote and undermining our democracy by making baseless claims about ‘rigged’ elections, demanding unreasonable voter registration requirements, restricting mail-in voting, and threatening to unconstitutionally nationalize our elections. But the President cannot nullify our Constitution. The Supreme Court must reject the President’s attempts to chip away at our voting rights,” Durbin said.

Nearly one-third of Americans have voted by mail in recent elections—a voting practice Trump himself used as recently as August 2026, when he voted in Florida’s Republican primary.

In the court filing, the amici curiae argue that President Trump’s Executive Order 4399 and USPS’s final rule violate the separation of powers and usurp congressional authorities outlined in Article I of the U.S. Constitution, which gives the states and Congress exclusive authority over election administration.

“As current and former legislators, amici took an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States — including its guarantee of the separation of powers,” wrote the lawmakers in the brief. “Amici have a particular interest in defending the institutional role of the Legislative Branch under Article I of the Constitution and in vindicating the long-settled principle that the Constitution commits ultimate regulatory authority over federal elections to Congress. The Constitution does not contemplate the Executive Branch acting unilaterally to assert power over federal elections. Yet that is what the Order and Final Rule do.”

The amici also pointed to a recent federal court ruling blocking USPS from implementing its newly finalized mail ballot rule for the midterm elections, saying the agency lacked the authority to implement the rule and that its actions are “substantively unconstitutional and contrary to law.”

“The district court correctly concluded that Appellees are likely to succeed on the merits of their claims that USPS lacked authority to issue the Final Rule, that the Final Rule unconstitutionally imposes mail-ballot requirements on the States, and that the Final Rule unconstitutionally bars non-compliant State and local election officials from using the USPS to mail ballots at all,” wrote the lawmakers.

The lawmakers concluded by asserting states’ power to administer elections and Congress’s power to make or alter rules regulating elections, which the Supreme Court itself has described as an “override” authority. President Trump’s illegal incursion on this authority is an attempt to disenfranchise people who depend on mail-in ballots to vote.

“The integrity of our constitutional system depends on each branch keeping to its assigned role,” concluded the lawmakers. “The Framers set up a two-part system that gave the States default authority to regulate federal elections subject to Congress’s authority to override the States. The Framers did not provide the President with any authority to interfere in that system, nor has Congress subsequently imbued the President or the Executive Branch with any such authority by statute.”

In addition to Duckworth, Durbin, Padilla, Schumer, and Peters, the amicus brief was joined by the entire Senate Democratic Caucus.

The full brief is available on the Senator’s website.

-30-",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-delivers-remarks-at-national-center-for-victims-of-crimes-annual-training-institute,Durbin Delivers Remarks At National Center For Victims Of Crime’s Annual Training Institute,2026-09-11,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"CHICAGO—Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered brief remarks at the National Center for Victims of Crime’s (NCVC) National Training Institute (NTI), an annual conference providing nearly 800 victim service professionals an opportunity to engage and learn from leaders in the victim advocacy community.

In his remarks, Durbin focused on the need for Congress to hold Big Tech accountable for its failure to protect children and users from harm. Durbin also applauded last month’s landmark settlement requiring Meta to pay more than $17 billion in penalties and make major changes to Facebook and Instagram over claims the company endangers children with addictive social media platforms.

“Parents and grandparents across America feel a pit in their stomachs every time their child logs onto a phone, tablet, or video game console. These parents and grandparents know that the internet has now become a hunting ground for predators, but accountability is finally coming,” Durbin said. “The recent landmark verdicts confirming that social media companies have a duty to protect children using their platforms is a crucial first step. As moment builds in the courts, Congress must do its part to ensure Big Tech is forced to change its behavior.”

Durbin has used his role on the Senate Judiciary Committee to prioritize child safety online through hearings, legislation, and oversight efforts.

On January 31, 2024, while Durbin was serving as Chair, the Committee held a hearing featuring testimony from the CEOs of social media companies Discord, Meta, Snap, TikTok, and X (formerly known as Twitter). This hearing highlighted the ongoing risk to children and the immediate need for Congress to act on the bipartisan bills reported by the Committee.

Durbin and U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) joined forces to reintroduce the bipartisan STOP CSAM Act, which would combat online child sexual abuse material. The bill passed the Judiciary Committee unanimously and awaits action on the Senate floor.

In addition, Durbin’s bipartisan Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act of 2024 (DEFIANCE Act) passed the Senate in July 2024 and again in January 2026. The legislation would hold accountable those responsible for the proliferation of nonconsensual, sexually-explicit “deepfake” images and videos. The bill awaits consideration by the House.

Durbin also introduced the Sunset Section 230 Act with the late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), which would repeal Section 230 two years after the date of enactment so that those harmed online can bring legal action against the companies that caused the harm. The bill awaits consideration by the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.

-30-",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-the-25th-anniversary-of-the-9/11-terrorist-attacks,Durbin Statement On The 25th Anniversary Of The 9/11 Terrorist Attacks,2026-09-11,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,IL,Richard J. Durbin,D000563,www.durbin.senate.gov,durbin,https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement on the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001:

“Twenty-five years ago today, I vividly recall looking down the National Mall from the Capitol Building and watching as black smoke billowed up from the Pentagon. That image is seared into my mind. But what I also remember about that day was the outpouring of compassion and common purpose that united us.

“Twenty-five years after that devastating day, we still mourn the 2,977 innocent lives lost at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, including the heroic members of the New York City Fire Department, law enforcement officers, and military personnel.

“Today, as we reflect on how those acts of pure evil forever altered our sense of security and safety, let us also reflect on the importance of remaining faithful to our values and the Constitution while protecting the American people. The victims of 9/11, their loved ones, and the American people deserved justice and accountability long ago.”

Today, Durbin attended the City of Chicago Fire Department’s 9/11 Tribute, marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The formal memorial tribute at Navy Pier faced east toward New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania to honor the lives lost and remember the firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and other first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice.

-30-",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-elmhurst-university-celebrate-950000-in-federal-funding-for-health-research-technology,"Casten, Elmhurst University Celebrate $950,000 in Federal Funding for Health Research Technology",2026-09-10,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Sean Casten,C001117,casten.house.gov,casten,https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Elmhurst, Illinois — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) and Elmhurst University celebrated an award of $950,000 in federal funding for the purchase and installation of instructional, simulation, and research equipment to enhance student learning and support faculty research activities within the Health Sciences Building at Elmhurst University.

“Ensuring schools and universities across the 6th District have the resources they need to provide a world-class education is one of my top priorities in Congress,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “I’m proud to have worked with Elmhurst University to secure this Community Project Funding, which will give students the tools and opportunities they need to learn, grow, and prepare for careers serving our community. This federal funding for Elmhurst University is an investment in the students and families of the 6th Congressional District, and I’m proud to have helped deliver it.”

“We are thrilled to receive this funding, and deeply appreciate Congressman Casten’s efforts in securing it for Elmhurst University and our students,” said President Troy D. VanAken. “I’m very proud that our new Health Sciences Building, and the new opportunities this funding creates, will give our future healthcare professionals the kind of invaluable educational experiences that will lead to better patient care and a healthier world.”

Rep. Casten and Elmhurst University leaders participated in a check presentation to recognize the federal funding coming to the 6th Congressional District. Photos from the event can be found here.

Rep. Casten selected the project as one of his Community Project Funding sites for FY 2026. Rep. Casten advocated for the funding in Congress, and it was officially appropriated in the FY 2026 government funding package. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) administers the funds. Learn more here.

Elmhurst University’s Health Sciences Research Equipment Project helps enhance teaching, learning, and research opportunities for faculty and students in the newly opened Health Sciences Building. The facility serves as a central hub for the university’s nursing, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and public health programs, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and creating new opportunities for students, faculty, and the broader community.

As part of this initiative, Elmhurst University plans to install advanced technologies to support teaching and research activities, including a 3-D Anatomage Table anatomy system and other faculty-identified instructional and research equipment essential to the curriculum. These technologies will provide students with hands-on learning experiences that strengthen clinical knowledge, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving skills.

###",1,2026-09-11T09:25:29Z,2026-09-11T09:27:08Z
https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-demands-nhtsa-action-after-tesla-drivers-caught-sleeping-behind,Krishnamoorthi Demands NHTSA Action After Tesla Drivers Caught Sleeping Behind the Wheel With Driver-Assistance System Engaged System Engaged,2026-09-10,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Raja Krishnamoorthi,K000391,krishnamoorthi.house.gov,krishnamoorthi,https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — On Wednesday, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) demanded that the Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration take immediate action to address the misuse of Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems after an NBC News investigation identified dozens of videos appearing to show Tesla driver asleep or otherwise disengaged behind the wheel while their vehicles were moving.

In a letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Krishnamoorthi cited an NBC News investigation that identified 43 videos appearing to show individuals asleep in the driver’s seat of moving Teslas, including 17 posted this year alone. Tesla’s own documentation states that Autopilot and Full Self-Driving require active driver supervision and are not autonomous driving systems.

In the letter, Krishnamoorthi writes:

“A recent NBC News investigation identified 43 videos that appear to show individuals asleep in the driver’s seat of moving Teslas, including 17 posted this year alone. These incidents are particularly alarming because Autopilot and FSD require active driver supervision and are not autonomous driving systems. As these technologies become increasingly prevalent on American roads, DOT and NHTSA must ensure that manufacturers have adequate safeguards to prevent foreseeable misuse and that drivers are not encouraged to place dangerous levels of reliance on systems that still require their full attention.”

Krishnamoorthi noted that NHTSA has previously identified shortcomings in Tesla’s driver-engagement safeguards. In an earlier engineering analysis of Autopilot, the agency concluded that Tesla’s system did not sufficiently ensure that drivers remained attentive and used the technology appropriately, identifying a mismatch between Autopilot’s substantial control over the vehicle and its safeguards for keeping drivers engaged.

NBC News also reported on videos appearing to show Tesla drivers sleeping at highway speeds, using laptops, watching videos, and otherwise disengaging while FSD was operating. NBC News also reported that some drivers said they had been able to evade the cabin-camera monitoring system, including by wearing sunglasses or obstructing the camera.

Krishnamoorthi also raised concerns about messages Tesla reportedly began displaying to drivers with software update 2025.32.3. WIRED reported that those messages included “Drowsiness detected. Stay focused with FSD” and “Lane drift detected. Let FSD assist so you can stay focused.” Because FSD requires continuous human supervision, Krishnamoorthi questioned whether encouraging a driver whom the vehicle has already detected as drowsy to use the system creates an additional safety risk.

In the letter, Krishnamoorthi writes:

“Advising an alert driver who experiences a momentary lane drift to use a driver-assistance feature is one thing. Encouraging a driver whom the vehicle has detected as drowsy to ‘stay focused with FSD’ presents a fundamentally different safety question. FSD requires continuous human supervision, yet the message appears to encourage use of the system precisely when the vehicle has detected that the driver may be less capable of providing that supervision.”

The concerns come as NHTSA conducts an ongoing engineering analysis involving approximately 3.2 million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD. The agency is examining whether FSD’s degradation-detection system can identify reduced roadway visibility and provide drivers with an adequate warning and sufficient time to respond. The investigation identifies nine incidents, including one fatality and one injury.

Krishnamoorthi is demanding answers to the following questions:

Is NHTSA aware of the growing body of publicly available videos showing Tesla drivers apparently asleep or otherwise disengaged from the driving task while Autopilot or FSD is operating? Has the agency assessed whether these incidents indicate a systemic problem with Tesla’s driver-monitoring or driver-engagement systems?

Has NHTSA communicated with Tesla regarding videos depicting drivers sleeping, using laptops, watching video, gaming, or otherwise disengaging from the driving task while FSD is operating? If so, what information has Tesla provided regarding the frequency of such behavior and the effectiveness of its safeguards?

What data has NHTSA collected or requested from Tesla—through the Standing General Order or other authorities—concerning driver inattention, drowsiness, or apparent driver disengagement in crashes involving Autopilot or FSD? How many such incidents has the agency identified since January 1, 2024?

What is NHTSA’s current assessment of the effectiveness of Tesla’s cabin-camera-based driver-monitoring system? Specifically, has the agency evaluated its performance when the cabin camera is obstructed, visibility is impaired, or drivers use sunglasses, hats, or other means that may interfere with detection?

What findings would lead NHTSA to conclude that Tesla’s driver-monitoring or driver-engagement systems constitute a safety defect requiring corrective action, including a safety recall?

Krishnamoorthi requested a written response by September 30, 2026.",1,2026-09-11T09:25:29Z,2026-09-11T09:27:08Z
https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-denounces-trump-administrations-racist-get-our-roads-mr-singh,"Krishnamoorthi Denounces Trump Administration’s Racist “Get Off Our Roads, Mr. Singh” Tweet",2026-09-10,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Raja Krishnamoorthi,K000391,krishnamoorthi.house.gov,krishnamoorthi,https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi issued the following statement condemning an official Department of Homeland Security social media post that depicted a man labeled “Mr. Singh” in a Transformers-style deportation graphic, told him to “get off our roads,” and warned him to “self-deport or find out”:

“Our government should never use its power to demonize people or suggest that their faith, heritage, or identity means they do not belong here. Yet in an official social media post styled as a movie poster, the Trump Department of Homeland Security depicted a man labeled “Mr. Singh” as the villain, told him to “get off our roads,” and warned him to “self-deport or find out.” More than 160,000 people in the United States share the surname Singh. When the government demonizes a name carried by so many Sikh families, it fuels xenophobia and casts suspicion on an entire community. Sikh and South Asian Americans are as American as anyone. This is our country and our home, and there should be no room for hate here.”",1,2026-09-11T09:25:29Z,2026-09-11T09:27:08Z
https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-joins-illinois-mental-health-and-lgbtq-leaders-push-restore-988,Krishnamoorthi Joins Illinois Mental Health and LGBTQ+ Leaders in Push to Restore 988 “Press 3” Crisis Services,2026-09-10,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IL,Raja Krishnamoorthi,K000391,krishnamoorthi.house.gov,krishnamoorthi,https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CHICAGO — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), author of the bipartisan 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act and a Vice Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, today joined Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Dulce Quintero, The Trevor Project, NAMI Chicago, Equality Illinois, and other mental health and LGBTQ+ advocates for a roundtable and press conference calling on Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Trump Administration to restore specialized 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline services for LGBTQ+ young people.

“When an LGBTQ+ person reaches out for help in a moment of crisis, they should be able to reach a counselor trained to understand what they are going through,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “Press 3 provided that lifesaving support, and the Trump Administration shut it down. I worked with partners from both parties to secure $33.1 million for the program and directed the Administration to restore these lifesaving services. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. needs to turn Press 3 back on and make sure every LGBTQ+ person, including transgender young people, can get the help they need when they need it most.”

During the roundtable at NAMI Chicago, participants discussed efforts to restore Press 3 and strengthen crisis support in Illinois. The state is working with The Trevor Project to train general 988 counselors in LGBTQ+ crisis competency while the specialized federal service remains unavailable.

Congress directed $33.1 million in Fiscal Year 2026 funding toward restoring the specialized services. In June, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Department acknowledged in a response to a bipartisan request led by Krishnamoorthi that Congress had directed the services to be restored, but said it was still assessing implementation while seeking to comply with Executive Order 14168. Krishnamoorthi has also introduced the bipartisan 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act to permanently protect the specialized services and require HHS to reserve at least 9 percent of annual 988 funding for them.",1,2026-09-11T09:25:29Z,2026-09-11T09:27:08Z